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The trial of French rapper Naps began today in Paris, stemming from allegations of rape dating back to October 2021. Naps, whose real name is Nabil Boukhobza, stands accused of assaulting a woman in a Paris hotel room after a night out. The case has drawn significant attention, raising questions about consent and sexual assault within the French music scene.
The alleged incident occurred after Naps invited the complainant, identified in court as Fanny* and two of her friends to join him at his hotel following a visit to a Parisian nightclub on September 30, 2021. According to court proceedings, the group consumed alcohol, cannabis, and nitrous oxide before falling asleep fully clothed in Naps’ hotel room. The prosecution alleges that Fanny awoke to find her clothing had been moved and that Naps was assaulting her. She reportedly pushed him away, fell back asleep, and then awoke again experiencing pain, at which point she realized Naps was penetrating her. She and her friends subsequently left the hotel.
Details of the Allegation and Initial Report
The complainant reported the alleged rape to police at the Rueil-Malmaison police station (Hauts-de-Seine) on October 1, 2021. Following her report, Fanny underwent a medical examination at a forensic medical unit, which documented evidence of friction on her thighs and lesions to her hymen. Naps listened attentively as the presiding judge outlined the details of the accusation during the opening of the trial.
During the initial proceedings, Naps declined to state his identity beyond confirming his profession as an “artist, producer, interpreter.” The civil party’s lawyer, Me Jean-Baptiste Boué-Diacquenod, indicated that they would not be requesting a closed session for the trial, meaning the proceedings are open to the public.
Additional Accusations and Ongoing Investigations
This trial is not the only legal challenge facing the rapper. In 2024, three other women came forward with allegations of sexual abuse against Naps in the Var region of France. While preparing to perform at a festival in Fréjus, Naps was arrested in his hotel room and placed under investigation for “rape and sexual assault.”
The current trial is expected to last four days, with a verdict anticipated this Thursday. Testimony from the two friends who accompanied Fanny on the night of the alleged assault is considered crucial to the case. The court will initially focus on establishing Naps’ character before reviewing the details of the investigation launched after the initial complaint was filed.
The case highlights the ongoing conversation surrounding sexual assault and accountability in France. The trial is being closely watched by advocacy groups and legal observers alike.
What comes next will depend on the evidence presented and the court’s deliberations. The verdict will have significant implications for both the complainant and the accused, and will likely fuel further discussion about consent and justice in cases of sexual assault.
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