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Sexual violence

The latest news and reporting on sexual violence cases.

News

Ritz among French landmarks searched in Al-Fayed trafficking probe say prosecutors

French police have searched several properties linked to Mohamed Al-Fayed, including the Ritz hotel, as part of an investigation into a suspected international network that allegedly trafficked women for the late billionaire.

Published on November 10, 2026, at 1:22 pm (Paris), updated on November 10, 2026, at 5:55 pm Le Monde with AFP

News

Russell Brand jailed for over 10 years for rape and sexual assault

The judge described British comedian, actor and online guru Russell Brand as a 'sexual predator' who had acted with 'contempt' at his trial for one count of rape and three sexual assaults, sentencing him to 10 years and six months in prison.

Published on November 9, 2026, at 5:01 pm (Paris), updated on November 9, 2026, at 6:02 pm Le Monde with AFP

News

Russell Brand found guilty of rape, three sexual assaults

Russell Brand was convicted of four sexual offences involving four women between 2005 and 2009 in different locations, including a radio station, the set of a DVD recording and Brand's home address.

Published on November 5, 2026, at 4:10 pm (Paris), updated on November 5, 2026, at 4:14 pm Le Monde with AFP

News

New York archdiocese to pay $800 million to over 1300 sex abuse victims

Dioceses across the country have had to pay hundreds of millions of dollars in damages, and programs have been created to compensate victims without going to trial.

Published on October 25, 2026, at 2:23 am (Paris) Le Monde with AFP

Editorial

French bill against sexual violence: A first step toward lasting change

The bill passed by the Assemblée Nationale on Tuesday, October 13, reflects a collective awakening to the scale of violence committed against women and children. However, the consensus remains fragile. The parliamentary timetable and budget uncertainties fuel doubts about how effective the reform will be.

Published on October 14, 2026, at 12:37 pm (Paris) Le Monde

Investigation Subscribers only

The Kafkaesque path to justice for French rape survivors

Raped at age 16 by a dance teacher, 32-year-old Anne's arduous, and still ongoing, path to justice illustrates the gaps in France's handling of sexual violence cases. On Tuesday, France's Assemblée Nationale passed a bill against gender-based and sexual violence.

Published on October 13, 2026, at 8:30 pm (Paris), updated on October 14, 2026, at 9:18 am Lucie Soullier

News

Cornell suspends frat parties after gang rape allegations

The president of the Ivy League university announced Tuesday all fraternity social events would be suspended for the academic year, as officials continue to face scrutiny over the handling of 2024 rape allegations involving fraternity members.

Published on October 13, 2026, at 7:58 pm (Paris), updated on October 13, 2026, at 8:59 pm Le Monde with AFP

Investigation Subscribers only

'We are still in the Middle Ages': Women on sexual violence in e-sports

Le Monde has learned that a well-known League of Legends streamer and commentator was charged with rape in July. The case is indicative of sexual violence in e-sports, a male-dominated sector in which women's voices often go unheard.

Published on October 12, 2026, at 5:00 am (Paris) Aurélien Defer

29:26
Video investigation Subscribers only

How Jeffrey Epstein used Woody Allen to expand his network

The millions of documents released by the US Department of Justice reveal that Jeffrey Epstein invested significant amounts of money and energy in building his friendship with filmmaker Woody Allen. Le Monde traced nine years of correspondence between the two men, from their first meeting to Epstein's death in 2019.

Published on October 11, 2026, at 12:01 pm (Paris), updated on October 11, 2026, at 5:20 pm Marc Bettinelli, Adrien Vande Casteele, Gabriel Lecointre and Elvire Camus 29:26

News Subscribers only

French court sentences student Rohan Rane to 20 years for sexually torturing minors online

The student ran an online group specialized in ultraviolence and sextortion. His trial marks the first in France to address 'nihilistic violent extremism,' a movement that originated in the United States.

Published on October 10, 2026, at 1:18 pm (Paris) Soren Seelow

News

France and US shut down platform selling sexual images of women and girls

A joint French-US operation against an online platform that sold private sexual content stolen from over 17,000 women worldwide led to the arrests of two brothers in northern France and the seizure of over €700,000 in bitcoin.

Published on October 7, 2026, at 5:37 pm (Paris) Le Monde with AFP

Feature Subscribers only

On Cornell's campus, 'everyone is outraged' by the handling of gang rape case

While she was still a student, a young woman claimed that she was drugged and raped by seven members of a fraternity at the Ivy League university. Many students feel that the alleged perpetrators were not punished severely enough. In September, the plaintiff took her case to the New York State Supreme Court.

Published on October 6, 2026, at 3:00 pm (Paris) Nicolas Chapuis

In Depth Subscribers only

Paris trial opens for Rohan Rane, 'fascist' and masculinist student accused of sexually torturing minors

The student led an online community of young men obsessed with brutal violence. He could face life in prison for forcing teenage girls to self-harm or perform extremely violent sexual acts.

Published on October 5, 2026, at 5:39 pm (Paris) Soren Seelow

News

Cornell president calls alleged gang rape 'deeply disturbing,' pledges greater transparency

As scrutiny mounts over Cornell's response to allegations that a student was gang raped at a fraternity house in 2024, the university's president acknowledged troubling questions raised about the investigations and pledged taking a 'serious look at the role of fraternities and sororities in campus life.'

Published on October 4, 2026, at 4:39 am (Paris) Le Monde with AP

Investigation Subscribers only

Jazz pianist charged with sexual assault of minor and accused of misconduct by three women

Jacky Terrasson was charged with sexual assault of a minor after a girl accused him of raping her when she was 6. Three women also told Le Monde about sexual assaults or attempted assaults.

Published on October 2, 2026, at 7:00 pm (Paris), updated on October 3, 2026, at 1:32 am Nathalie Brafman Lucie Soullier

News

New York governor vows to close legal loophole after Cornell gang rape allegations

Following public outcry over an alleged gang rape at Cornell University in 2024, New York Governor Kathy Hochul called for closing a loophole in state law that allows offenders to avoid rape charges if their victims were willingly intoxicated.

Published on October 2, 2026, at 5:52 pm (Paris) Le Monde with AFP

News

Cornell University gang rape investigation: NY governor appoints special prosecutor

The woman, identified only as Jane Doe in court documents, reported the October 2024 alleged assault by seven fraternity brothers to campus police and is pursuing a lawsuit filed in September.

Published on October 2, 2026, at 4:02 am (Paris), updated on October 2, 2026, at 7:32 am Le Monde with AP

News Subscribers only

Pope Leo XIV clarifies reported description of sexual abuse in Church as 'systemic'

On Sunday, victims who met with the pope in France said he had marked a major shift by calling the sexual violence 'systemic.' However, on his flight back to Rome, Leo said that he had been referring to organizations within the Church that, 'at times,' have 'as a system, been abusive.'

Published on September 29, 2026, at 10:25 am (Paris) Sarah Belouezzane

News

Pope Leo XIV urges Church to confront clerical sex abuse and reject assisted dying

During his visit to the pilgrimage town of Lourdes, the pope called on bishops to remain vigilant over sexual abuse in the Church and criticized France's newly adopted assisted-dying legislation.

Published on September 27, 2026, at 5:31 pm (Paris), updated on September 27, 2026, at 5:39 pm Le Monde with AFP

In Depth Subscribers only

Pope Leo XIV to meet with French survivors of sexual abuse in Lourdes

Leo XIV is scheduled to meet with seven survivors of sexual abuse in Lourdes on Sunday. Although French bishops were once at the forefront on this issue, acknowledging the systemic nature of the abuse, associations now denounce a step backwards.

Published on September 27, 2026, at 10:31 am (Paris), updated on September 27, 2026, at 11:21 am Sarah Belouezzane

News Subscribers only

PSG's Achraf Hakimi will be tried for rape, high court confirms

The court dismissed an appeal from the Moroccan vice-captain of Paris Saint-Germain.

Published on September 23, 2026, at 6:27 pm (Paris), updated on September 23, 2026, at 6:28 pm Jérôme Lefilliâtre Jérémie Pham-Lê

News

'Looksmaxxing' influencer known as 'Clavicular' is charged with rape

Braden Peters has been charged with raping a 17-year-old girl who was heavily intoxicated in May 2025. The lawsuit also accused Peters of injecting the girl with a fat-dissolving substance during a livestream without consent.

Published on September 23, 2026, at 4:16 am (Paris), updated on September 23, 2026, at 8:04 am Le Monde with AP

News

Paris prosecutors launch probes into non-consensual filming of women with smart glasses

Prosecutors pointed to a 'growing trend on social media involving women being filmed on the street with smart glasses without their consent and the videos being published online.'

Published on September 22, 2026, at 8:54 pm (Paris), updated on September 22, 2026, at 9:11 pm Le Monde with AFP

News Subscribers only

How feminists drafted a new French bill against gender-based and sexual violence

Since 2024, feminist and children's rights groups have been working hand in hand to draft new legislation.

Published on September 21, 2026, at 2:30 pm (Paris), updated on October 1, 2026, at 3:58 pm Solène Cordier

In Depth Subscribers only

French PM remains vague on funding to fight gender-based and sexual violence

In an op-ed in Le Monde, French Prime Minister Sébastien Lecornu evoked for the first time a 'multi-year plan' of resources dedicated to combating gender-based and sexual violence, but did not specify what additional funds might be allocated.

Published on September 16, 2026, at 3:06 pm (Paris) Grégoire Biseau Solène Cordier

News

Paris childcare worker convicted of sexually assaulting nine children

Michaël M. was found guilty of sexually assaulting children aged 5 to 10 from 2022 to 2024. He was sentenced to one year of house arrest with an ankle tag, a four-year suspended prison sentence and a ban on working with children.

Published on September 15, 2026, at 7:13 pm (Paris), updated on September 15, 2026, at 8:30 pm Le Monde with AFP

Op-Ed Subscribers only

French PM Sébastien Lecornu: 'We will put forward a multi-year plan to fight gender-based and sexual violence starting with €1.5 billion in 2027'

In an op-ed, France's prime minister reveals the funding he plans to allocate to the upcoming 'comprehensive' bill against gender-based and sexual violence, which will be debated in Parliament in October.

Published on September 15, 2026, at 6:22 pm (Paris), updated on September 15, 2026, at 8:41 pm Sébastien Lecornu

News

France's Epstein probe identifies 'potential recruiters'

Paris prosecutor Laure Beccuau revealed said that new leads had been identified as part of an investigation into alleged human trafficking.

Published on September 10, 2026, at 4:21 pm (Paris), updated on September 10, 2026, at 4:43 pm Le Monde with AFP

Interview Subscribers only

Anne-Cécile Mailfert, president of Fondation Des Femmes: 'For the first time, perhaps, a gender-violence bill was shaped from the victims' perspective'

In an interview with Le Monde, Anne-Cécile Mailfert, who participated in the discussions behind this legislative proposal, explains its origins, contents and how it came to be included on the parliamentary agenda following the death of 11-year-old Lyhanna.

Published on September 7, 2026, at 2:30 pm (Paris), updated on September 15, 2026, at 7:06 pm Solène Cordier

News

Tate brothers deny criminal accusations in court and ask to be released while fighting extradition to the UK

Andrew and Tristan Tate, notorious for promoting male dominance and misogyny through their social media empire, are accused of choking and raping victims, human trafficking, money laundering and violence against minors. Andrew Tate maintains that he is simply playing a character online.

Published on August 28, 2026, at 12:18 am (Paris), updated on August 28, 2026, at 8:45 am Le Monde with AP

News

'Dodo the Pimp,' made infamous by French politician DSK's sex scandal, dies age 77

A French national who ran multiple brothels in Belgium, where he was convicted as a pimp, Dominique Alderweireld was thrust into the media spotlight for his alleged links to disgraced politician Dominique Strauss-Kahn.

Published on August 25, 2026, at 5:55 pm (Paris) Le Monde with AFP

News

France launches new investigation into surgeon convicted of mass child sex abuse

Prosecutors are gathering evidence on some 50 new alleged sexual assault and rape allegations against former surgeon Joël Le Scouarnec, who was sentenced to 20 years in prison for abusing 299 patients over several decades last year.

Published on August 19, 2026, at 8:30 pm (Paris), updated on August 20, 2026, at 10:13 am Le Monde with AFP

In Depth Subscribers only

French court shuts down establishment hosting paid gang bangs in Paris

France's highest administrative court upheld the temporary closure of a venue that hosted these sexual activities in mid-July while awaiting a final ruling. The court found that the events at the establishment exposed women to 'serious risks' to their physical and psychological well-being, but it did not ban the practices themselves.

Published on August 16, 2026, at 1:36 pm (Paris) Jérôme Lefilliâtre

Investigation Subscribers only

Nationwide review of child abuse cases highlights shortcomings of French judiciary and police

Le Monde has obtained a letter from the justice minister to the interior minister exposing how serious failures in how French authorities respond to violence against minors.

Published on August 9, 2026, at 12:23 pm (Paris), updated on August 9, 2026, at 12:23 pm Antoine Albertini

News

Pope Leo XIV to meet with clerical abuse victims during France trip

Ahead of a papal visit to France, the Vatican announced that Pope Leo XIV will 'meet privately with individuals who have been victims of abuse.' The pontiff promised the Catholic Church would make 'additional efforts' to address this issue.

Published on August 7, 2026, at 4:54 pm (Paris), updated on August 7, 2026, at 4:56 pm Le Monde with AFP

News

Four Mohamed Al-Fayed survivors recognized as victims of human trafficking

To date, 157 victims have reported allegations that they were sexually assaulted, raped, or trafficked by the former tycoon and owner of Harrod's department store. Al-Fayed died in 2023, at the age of 94, without facing any prosecution.

Published on August 3, 2026, at 4:28 am (Paris), updated on August 3, 2026, at 8:17 am Le Monde with AFP

News

French star Patrick Bruel faces more sex assault allegations

At least six other complaints for rape and sexual assault have been made against him since he was charged in June with rape, attempted rape, sexual assault and sexual harassment in four cases, three for alleged acts in France and one in Belgium.

Published on July 28, 2026, at 10:37 pm (Paris), updated on July 29, 2026, at 9:51 am Le Monde with AFP

News

US singer D4vd to stand trial in killing of teenage girl

David Anthony Burke, known as D4vd, allegedly began a sexual relationship with Celeste Rivas Hernandez when she was 13 and he was 18. The 21-year-old has denied one count each of murder, continuous sexual abuse of a child under the age of 14 and unlawful mutilation of human remains. He could face life imprisonment or the death penalty.

Published on July 28, 2026, at 1:20 am (Paris), updated on July 28, 2026, at 9:28 am Le Monde with AFP

News

EU renews online child sex abuse detection powers

The renewed authorization will be in effect until April 2028, with the hope that it will give time for the EU to agree on broader rules. Some online platforms had used the mechanism for years to voluntarily report child sexual abuse material as well as 'grooming' messages.

Published on July 23, 2026, at 5:32 pm (Paris) Le Monde with AFP

News Subscribers only

Paris prosecutors open investigation into 'libertine' social network Wyylde

In a series of articles published in July, Le Monde detailed the central role played by this site in the 'Libertine' rapes case, in which 19 men were indicted for sexual crimes involving torture or acts of barbarity.

Published on July 23, 2026, at 4:35 pm (Paris) Morgane Tual

News Subscribers only

Cédric Jubillar admitted to killing his wife after five years of denial. Here is what he told the authorities

'It took me a few moments to realize I had just killed the mother of my children,' Cédric Jubillar said on July 15, according to an official court record Le Monde has read.

Published on July 22, 2026, at 11:24 am (Paris) Jérémie Pham-Lê Lucie Soullier

03:30
Video

Watch: Why 19 men have been charged in a French mass rapes case

Christophe B. allegedly forced six of his partners to have sex with strangers he met on an adult social network called Wyylde. He and 18 other men have been charged with 'rape with torture or acts of barbarity.'

Published on July 21, 2026, at 5:20 pm (Paris), updated on July 21, 2026, at 5:20 pm Marion Huysman Olivier Escher Sinead McCausland 03:30

News

Tate brothers' lawyer says they will fight UK extradition on sex crime charges

US authorities detained self-professed misogynist Andrew Tate and his younger brother Tristan on Saturday as UK prosecutors announced new charges of rape, sex trafficking and assault. In Romania, the Tates face allegations of trafficking minors, sexual intercourse with a minor and money laundering.

Published on July 21, 2026, at 1:02 am (Paris), updated on July 21, 2026, at 7:46 am Le Monde with AFP

Investigation Subscribers only

French 'libertines' rapes case: From livestreams to camp sites, where the sexual crimes took place

Christophe B. and many other men he recruited are accused of raping women, with these sexual assaults broadcast online and in public. Responsibility is now being called into question. This is the final part of our investigation into the French 'libertines' rapes case.

Published on July 20, 2026, at 8:00 pm (Paris) Lorraine de Foucher Jérôme Lefilliâtre Morgane Tual

Investigation Subscribers only

20 men, a 'sperm party,' and two days of sexual torment: The brutality of the 'libertine' rapes case

Over the course of a long weekend, one of Christophe B.'s former partners was forced to endure sexual assaults by numerous men at their home. Some of these assaults were broadcast live on the swinging website Wyylde.

Published on July 19, 2026, at 12:01 pm (Paris) Lorraine de Foucher Jérôme Lefilliâtre

News

Influencer Andrew Tate and brother Tristan arrested in Miami as Britain seeks their extradition

The brothers, notorious for promoting aggressively misogynistic views to millions of their followers on social media, were arrested on Saturday by US marshals. The United Kingdom is seeking their extradition to face new charges of rape, sex trafficking and assault.

Published on July 19, 2026, at 4:21 am (Paris), updated on July 19, 2026, at 2:45 pm Le Monde with AFP

Investigation Subscribers only

Christophe B., an ordinary man accused of extraordinary violence in 'libertine' rapes

The 56-year-old is accused of forcing his partners to engage in extreme sexual acts with men he recruited online for over 20 years. He is charged with rapes with torture or acts of barbarity.

Published on July 18, 2026, at 12:01 pm (Paris) Lorraine de Foucher Jérôme Lefilliâtre

Editorial

Addressing rape culture to better denounce it

In an investigation into a case of sexual violence under the guise of 'libertinism,' Le Monde reports on acts described by prosecutors as rapes 'with torture and acts of barbarity.' It is not an isolated incident, but rather a symptom of a wider online male culture that hides behind the language of consent and 'sexual plurality.'

Published on July 17, 2026, at 12:34 pm (Paris) Le Monde

Investigation Subscribers only

19 men charged in mass rapes case among 'libertines' in France

A man identified as Christophe B. is accused of having forced six former partners into extremely violent sexual encounters with dozens of men recruited online over a period of more than 20 years, under the guise of 'libertinism.'

Published on July 17, 2026, at 12:01 pm (Paris) Lorraine de Foucher Jérôme Lefilliâtre

News

French justice minister vows action on child sex-abuse cases after death of 11-year-old Lyhanna

Gérald Darmanin, under pressure to resign, ordered prosecutors to review all pending child sex abuse allegations before the summer holidays. He said prosecutors highlighted 970 as high priority, with the child still a minor and the suspect having previously been accused.

Published on July 15, 2026, at 8:38 pm (Paris), updated on July 16, 2026, at 4:09 am Le Monde with AFP

News

Six women accuse French ex-model boss Gérald Marie of rape, human trafficking

The foreign women, mostly American, filed legal complaints in France accusing the former modeling agency boss of rape and human trafficking in the 1980s and 1990s, their lawyer said.

Published on July 15, 2026, at 6:37 pm (Paris) Le Monde with AFP

News

Court convicts murderer who scattered wife's remains in Paris park

After workers in Paris's Buttes-Chaumont park discovered a bag containing parts of a woman's body in 2023, an investigation into the gruesome killing led to her husband's arrest, confession and now 27-year jail sentence for murder.

Published on July 10, 2026, at 8:41 pm (Paris), updated on July 10, 2026, at 8:50 pm Le Monde with AFP

News

Sexual violence in Paris after-school programs: Ex-childcare worker found guilty of sexual assault

After a spate of allegations of child sexual abuse in Paris's after-school care programs, a Paris court issued the first guilty ruling, giving the defendant an 18-month suspended sentence and banning him from working with children.

Published on July 10, 2026, at 6:24 pm (Paris), updated on July 11, 2026, at 12:17 pm Le Monde with AFP

News

US judge orders Trump to pay $5 million he owes E. Jean Carroll

This decision follows the Supreme Court’s refusal to hear the appeal filed by the US president, who was found guilty of sexual assault and defamation against the former journalist and columnist.

Published on July 9, 2026, at 7:49 am (Paris) Le Monde with AFP

News

Cardinal considered contender to replace Pope Francis accused of molesting several women

Spanish-born Cristobal Lopez Romero, the Archbishop of Rabat in Morocco, has announced that he is 'stepping back' from office after an investigation revealed at least five accounts of accusations of sexual assault. Lopez has admitted to 'inappropriate behavior towards adult women' but denies having committed sexual violence or harassment.

Published on July 7, 2026, at 10:39 pm (Paris), updated on July 8, 2026, at 7:04 am Le Monde with AFP

News

US Supreme Court upholds Trump sexual assault judgment

The Supreme Court rejected Donald Trump's bid to overturn a judgment that he sexually assaulted and defamed author E. Jean Carroll, to whom he was ordered to pay $5 million in damages for sexual assault and defamation.

Published on June 29, 2026, at 7:35 pm (Paris) Le Monde with AFP

News

Prosecutors drop rape charges against Harvey Weinstein after three trials end without verdict

The former producer was accused by actress Jessica Mann, who was 27 at the time, of raping her in a New York hotel room in March 2013, shortly after they met at a party. Weinstein is already in prison for other sex offenses, so will remain behind bars.

Published on June 26, 2026, at 5:00 am (Paris), updated on June 26, 2026, at 7:20 am Le Monde with AFP

In Depth Subscribers only

Sexual violence in Paris after-school programs: Citizens' convention proposes return to four-day school week

Caught off guard by the proposal, the mayor of Paris said he would have 'no taboos,' as less than a third of parents wanted to keep the current school schedule in the capital.

Published on June 24, 2026, at 3:00 pm (Paris) Hélène Bekmezian Eléa Pommiers

Explainer Subscribers only

What is included in France's comprehensive bill against gender-based and sexual violence?

Following the death of 11-year-old Lyhanna in early June, momentum is growing for an all-encompassing law to protect women and children, combining prevention and prosecution measures.

Published on June 21, 2026, at 12:14 am (Paris), updated on September 7, 2026, at 1:23 pm Marine Hamelin Olivier Laffargue

In Depth Subscribers only

Bétharram Catholic school abuse scandal: Independent commission recommends financial compensation for victims

The commission estimated the number of victims of sexual and physical violence at the private institution in southwestern France could be as high as 1,500. Its report, published on Saturday, highlights the lasting impact of trauma on the lives of former students.

Published on June 20, 2026, at 6:07 pm (Paris) Sarah Belouezzane Violaine Morin

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