The public prosecutor of Paris was seized by the Federation for sexual violence against a member of his team.
By NB with AFP
© SEBASTIEN SALOM-GOMIS / AFP
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Ihe French Sailing Federation (FFVoile) seized the Paris public prosecutor on Friday about skipper Kevin Escoffier for events that occurred in May with a young woman in the United States during a stopover of The Ocean Race, learned Wednesday AFP with the FFVoile. Escoffier, 43, has announced that he is leaving the helm of his sailboat Holcim-PRB after discussing “an incident” with a member of his team, which occurred in Newport on May 15. According to a source familiar with the matter, “the facts are related to a sexual assault”.
The Federation initially seized the sexual violence unit of the Ministry of Sports, in charge of an administrative investigation, and then decided to take legal action directly by bringing into play article 40 which allows an authority to do so when she has knowledge of an offense or a crime.
“Inappropriate behavior”
“I made a number of phone calls which led me to believe that what was presented as an alleged incident was inappropriate behavior he allegedly exhibited towards a woman at a party,” he said. last week to AFP the president of the FFVoile Jean-Luc Denéchau.
Holcim-PRBwith Escoffier as skipper, was leader of the general classification of the race around the world The Ocean Race, since the start in January, before yielding the first place during the 5e stage at the american crew 11th Hour. Escoffier won The Ocean Race in 2017-2018 and also has the Transat Jacques-Vabre 2005 on his list.