PPDA case: three new plaintiffs accuse the journalist of rape and sexual violence

New accusations come to overwhelm Patrick Poivre d’Arvor. The newspaper Release reveals that two complaints have been filed for rape and sexual assault against the former star presenter of TF1. If the complainants know that the facts described will not lead to prosecution, prescription requires, their testimonies corroborate those of other women who had complained before them.

A modus operandi similar to the other victims

The three plaintiffs, Bénédicte Martin, Juliette (assumed name) and Anne (became Margot) Cauquil-Gleizes relate a modus operandi similar to the other victims. Already, they share a common point: the world of publishing, in which PPDA has long been influential. The writer Bénédicte Martin says she was invited to the PPDA literary program, night flight, then invited, later, to attend his JT at TF1. They would then have found themselves in the office of the presenter.

Release then recounts this scene, according to the testimony of Bénédicte Martin: “He turns around her, and while he is behind, seizes her by the throat, making her a key with his arm. She tips over, they fight on the ground, he pulls up her skirt, he kisses her and his ‘terrible’ breath revolts her. She tries to pretend: ‘No, not like that, we’re better than that. Let’s make an appointment.’ he gets up to take his notebook”. Bénédicte Martin says she then told this scene to several people in the publishing world, including her editor at the time, Frédéric Beigbeder who would have replied: “It’s normal, you’re a girl”.

A regular and organized practice

Juliette, another woman, recounts the rape he allegedly committed in his office, after the show Night flight. After a quick penetration, she reveals to the newspaper that PPDA would have taken a wipe to wipe herself and handed her one so that she “cleans herself”. A “filthy and revealing” memory of the actions of his attacker, letting him think that this practice was regular and organized. The last woman to testify, Margot, recounts a rape in a hotel room when she was a minor. Their testimonies are added to those of the eight women who had already confided in this same newspaper, Releasein November 2021.

In June 2021, a first preliminary investigation was dismissed despite the testimony of 23 women. A second is in progress, seven other women having testified. The ex-star of TF1 has always denied the facts and evokes “slanderous denunciations”.

“PPDA” heard in July

Patrick Poivre d’Arvor was heard in free hearing in July as part of an open investigation into rape and sexual assault where at least seven women testified, AFP learned on Tuesday from judicial sources and close to the case.