Saad Lamjarred's trial in the Saint-Tropez case: details and anticipated verdict
The spotlight is once again on Moroccan pop star Saad Lamjarred, as a new trial begins today, Monday, in southern France, adding to his controversial legal record. Lamjarred is appearing before the Draguignan Criminal Court on charges of raping a waitress in the coastal city of Saint-Tropez, in a case dating back to 2018. There is significant media and public anticipation surrounding the outcome of this case, which could mark a turning point in the artist's career.
Details of the Saint-Tropez case
Saad Lamjarred, 40, appeared in court while free on bail to face charges of sexually assaulting a young woman who worked as a seasonal waitress at a nightclub. The incident dates back to August 2018, when the singer met the plaintiff in Saint-Tropez. According to the victim, Lamjarred invited her to his hotel room, where the evening turned into a "night of terror," as she accuses him of violence and forcing her into sexual intercourse. Lamjarred vehemently denies these allegations, maintaining that the encounter was consensual.
The trial is expected to last several days, with a final verdict anticipated next Thursday. The plaintiff's lawyer, Dominique Lardan, told AFP that his client had endured "seven years of waiting and patience," adding that she would request a closed session to protect her privacy in this sensitive case.
Legal context and history of prosecutions
This trial is not an isolated event, but rather part of a series of legal proceedings that the singer of "Lmaallem" has faced over the past decade. In 2023, a Paris criminal court sentenced Lamjarred to six years in prison after convicting him of raping and assaulting a young French woman named Laura Prioul at a luxury hotel in Paris in 2016. Lamjarred appealed this sentence, allowing him to remain free pending the final appeal decision, while continuing to deny the charges and admitting only to a scuffle.
Looking back, the artist’s name has been linked to similar cases, starting with a case in the United States in 2010 that was dropped after a financial settlement with the victim, up to accusations in Casablanca in 2015, and another complaint in April 2017 filed by a young French-Moroccan woman.
Impact on artistic and public career
The legal battles surrounding Saad Lamjarred have sparked sharp public debate. While he faces boycotts and harsh criticism from human rights and feminist groups in France and Morocco, he still enjoys a large fan base in the Arab world. His songs continue to garner millions of views immediately upon release, reflecting a separation his fans maintain between his personal and legal life and his artistic output. However, the verdict expected at the end of this week could have serious legal and professional repercussions, especially given his previous conviction, which has yet to be fully resolved.
