In December 2023, a new complaint was filed once morest rapper Antoine Lomepal for rape that took place in 2018 in France. Earlier, in July of the same year, a judicial investigation was launched following the filing of a complaint by an acquaintance of the rapper for acts of rape dating back to 2017. Lomepal was already accused on social networks by several women for acts of sexual assault.
As part of the preliminary investigation targeting him, Lomepal, whose real name is Antoine Valentinelli, was briefly placed in police custody in the premises of the Paris judicial police on February 27. After confrontation with her accusers, the “custody measure” of the singer was “lifted for continuation of preliminary investigations”, indicated the Paris prosecutor’s office.
The one who has three million monthly listeners on the Spotify platform, reacted in early August 2023 to the accusations on his social networks: “Did I force anyone to do anything?” No. Have there been any illegal things? No. » The rapper known for his “sentimental” lyrics, denied the facts by justifying himself with “ late-night encounters, where we make love without knowing each other, one-night stands ” Or “ there may be misunderstandings, different perceptions “. He declared himself “ serene”, ensuring that he is ready to respond to justice when it questions him.
A silent music industry
In July 2023, the singer and editor-in-chief of Joly Môme, Jenna Boulmedaïs, opened the way by making public the testimonies circulating once morest the artist in the French musical world: “ 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. » « The whole music industry knows regarding it. This silence is literally no longer possible », denounced Jenna Boulmedaïs on her networks. The singer has since been the subject of a complaint from the French Music Federation.
In August 2023, the Cabaret Vert festival in Charleville-Mézières (Ardennes), for its part, canceled the artist’s planned concert. The festival estimated in a press release “ that a time of retreat and silence (was necessary) “. If some fans reacted following the accusations by canceling their attendance at the various concerts and festivals where the rapper performs, he nevertheless filled the Accor Arena three times in November 2023 for the tour of his album Mauvais Order released in 2022.
