What we know about the rape complaints against rapper Lomepal

Two women filed a complaint against the singer, for acts dating from 2017 and 2018. When the opening of a preliminary investigation was revealed, Antoine Valentinelli, his real name, spoke of “one-night stands”.

New accusations target Lomepal. The 32-year-old rapper, whose real name is Antoine Valentinelli, is the subject of a second complaint for rape, after a first complaint filed in 2020. The facts mentioned in the second complaint date back to 2018 in France. Briefly placed in police custody, the singer was confronted by the complainant at the end of February, franceinfo learned on Wednesday March 6. Here’s what we know about the accusations and the preliminary investigation for rape opened against the interpreter of Too handsome.

A first complaint filed in 2020

In 2020, an acquaintance of the rapper filed a complaint against him. She accuses him of raping her in 2017 in New York. The information was revealed to the general public in August 2023, when the Paris prosecutor’s office revealed that a preliminary investigation for rape was opened. The prosecutor specifies that the investigations began in October 2020 and that they were entrusted to the 3rd district of the judicial police.

In July 2023, journalist Jenna Boulmedaïs wrote on Instagram: “For two years now, in the music world, I have heard testimonies from women who have suffered the inappropriate and unwanted actions of Antoine Lomepal. I repeat: the entire music industry knows about it. This silence is literally no longer possible. Seeing his name headlining for many festivals as well.”

Accusations denied by Lomepal

The rapper immediately denied “for sure” the facts with which he is accused. “Did I force anyone to do anything? No. Was anything illegal done? No.”defended the 32-year-old artist on Instagram. He mentions “late night encounters, where we make love without knowing each other, one-night stands. And for me like everyone else, there can be misunderstandings, different perceptions.”

The singer also denounces “delusional and fabricated stories circulating in the music industry”. “We would pay women, we would sign silence agreements, and so on. (…) All this is absurd and false”he insisted.

“I will respond to justice when it questions me, I am calm, I know that the truth will be revealed.”

Lomepal

on Instagram, in August 2023

The singer, who was then on the bill at several festivals, was able to produce at the Electronic Beaches in Cannes (Alpes-Maritimes) a few days later. On the other hand, the Green Cabaret Festival of Charleville-Mézières (Ardennes) had canceled its concert “faced with the emotions that this complaint arouses.

A second complaint filed at the end of 2023

A second complaint for rape was filed at the end of 2023 against the rapper, franceinfo learned on Wednesday March 6 from sources close to the case, confirming information from AFP. This time, the facts of which he is accused date back to 2018 and occurred in France. Briefly placed in police custody on Tuesday February 27 and Wednesday February 28, the singer was confronted by the complainant. At this stage, he is not being prosecuted, specify these same sources.

The rapper “will not speak for the moment because he wishes to let justice work peacefully”, affirm his lawyers to franceinfo.

“He was heard at length, he was able to respond precisely and provide decisive material elements.”

Jacqueline Laffont and Julie Benedetti, lawyers of the rapper

at franceinfo

“The criminal classification of the alleged facts is also widely subject to debate. His police custody was lifted well before the end of the legal period and without prosecution. The continuation of the investigation will make it possible to establish his innocence”they conclude.