We have read several press articles published this week which are a distraction from our progress with our case in France. We will not repeat their content here but our lawyer, Anne-Claire LeJeune, writes in a press statement:
“Our client and her lawyers wish to focus solely on the case concerning the serious rape and sexual assault allegations of a number of victims. Presenting the facts and seeking justice for those victims is our priority.”
Gerald Marie survivors have reacted with relief and delight to news that a criminal investigation opened last year into sex abuse allegations against Marie has moved to the next stage. Eleven women who have filed their testimonies with the Paris prosecutor were contacted yesterday by the Paris police child protection department, Brigade de Protection des Mineurs. (Two of the accusers were minors at the time of the offences). A twelfth woman is expected to be contacted this week. The police detective in charge of the investigation has requested formal interviews with all the women to ensure the case goes ahead. The hearings are expected to take place in Paris once Covid restrictions are lifted. Most of the women have already confirmed they will attend while all have expressed their desire to see justice finally served.
Lisa Brinkworth, a former BBC reporter who was assaulted by Marie in 1998 hailed today’s decision as a significant moment for all sex abuse victims. She said, “This is especially important for victims who fall outside the twenty-year limit for prosecuting sex crimes in France and who were afraid their voices would never be heard. Those women, many teenagers at the time, suffered the most harrowing ordeals, which have left permanent scars. Their pain and trauma remain with them no matter how much time has passed. We are very grateful that the Paris police investigator has taken decisive action, with the investigation gaining pace.”
French lawyer, Anne-Claire Le Jeune, is representing all twelve victims who have so far submitted their testimonies with the Paris prosecutor. She said in a statement, ‘This is an important first step and demonstrates that the French authorities are taking the allegations seriously. I am pleased that the voices of victims have been taken into account as the case progresses.”
Le Jeune has appealed for more victims to come forward including those for whom the statute of limitations has not yet passed and who could pursue a criminal action.
VA is supporting all the accusers in the case and invites victims who have not yet come forward to contact us in confidence for advice and guidance.
VA is raising funds to cover victims’ travel costs. All donations would be welcome.
DONATE TODAY!Former models call for change in fashion industry after alleged sexual assault
Alleged sexual assault victims of an 80s fashion mogul fight for change
Models who say they were victims of the fashion industry’s rape culture are fighting for change
Time runs out in rape case against former model agency boss Gérald Marie
French prosecutors close rape probe into top model agency boss
Models unite to put sex abuse claims in spotlight – Sunday Times
France’s feminist revolutionaries have the predators in their sights – Sunday Times
Affaire Gérald Marie : les mannequins et l’ogre – French Elle
Supermodel boss ‘preyed on beauties’ – Daily Mail
Former Fashion Models Accuse Top Agent of Rape and Sexual Assault – New York Times
The women who Jean-Luc Brunel preyed upon tell Lisa Brinkworth how he abused and raped them
Ex-Modeling Agent and Epstein Associate Found Dead in a Paris Jail – New York Times
Alleged sexual abuse victims ‘angry’ over death of Epstein friend – The Guardian
Ex-models demand change over French sex abuse laws – The BBC
Models unite to put sex abuse claims in spotlight – The Times
Former models step up fight against top agent accused of sexual assault | 60 Minutes Australia
Jean-Luc Brunel, the catwalk king who ‘raped and pimped out models to Jeffrey Epstein’ – The Times
Schwere Vorwürfe gegen Model-Manager Gerald Marie
x Models, Journalist Expose French Fashion Giant’s History Of Rape, Sexual Abuse
Ex-Models Go Public With Allegations of Assault By Former Elite Model Boss Gérald Marie
Gérald Marie: plusieurs femmes qui l’accusent de viols témoignent
LE MONDE
April 13, 2022
THE TIMES
February 14, 2021
THE GUARDIAN
November 26, 2020
THE GUARDIAN
November 20, 2020
THE NEW YORK TIMES
September 28, 2020
20 MINUTES
September 28, 2020
NEW YORK POST
September 27, 2020
LE PARISIEN
September 27, 2020