The Paris Court of Appeal has upheld the decision of non-lieu for comedian Ary Abittan, affirming his innocence after allegations of rape made against him were thoroughly investigated over three years. The ruling on January 30, 2025, was met with relief by Abittan's defense team, marking the end of a tumultuous judicial process.
Abittan, who faced accusations of forcing unwanted sexual relations upon a woman during their short acquaintance, consistently maintained his innocence following the claims first reported back in October 2021. The court's affirmation came after significant scrutiny of the initial claims and the subsequent investigation.
On the evening of October 30, 2021, the complainant, then 23, alleged she was assaulted during what was supposed to be a casual encounter at Abittan's apartment. Though she initially reported feeling assaulted, medical examinations later indicated injuries consistent with non-consensual anal sex. These findings fueled the charges against the comedian and led to his arrest shortly after the allegations surfaced.
Throughout the ensuing investigation, which lasted more than three years, Abittan was supported by various witnesses. Those close to the actor painted him as respectful and considerate, contrary to the claims made by the complainant. Judging from testimonies from former partners, the court noted the absence of evidence indicating any propensity for violent or deviant sexual behavior. The psychological evaluations conducted on Abittan also affirmatively dismissed allegations of aggressive sexual impulses, contributing to the eventual non-lieu.
According to his attorney, Me Caroline Toby, the seven magistrates who reviewed this case reached unanimous consent on Abittan’s non-guilt, stating, "The justice has considered Ary Abittan innocent, after an instruction of more than three years. There is now no room for doubt about my client's innocence." This highlights the court's comprehensive response to the evidence presented throughout the lengthy judicial examination.
Challenges within the case arose when the complainant's story appeared to change several times. Investigators indicated inconsistencies, particularly surrounding her portrayal of events leading up to and during the alleged incident. The prosecutors and judges concluded, after thorough review, there were not enough strong or concordant indicators to suggest the charges could hold up under the utmost scrutiny.
Despite the ruling firmly placing Abittan as innocent, the shadow of the allegations lingered, with the comedian’s performances facing backlash from feminist groups. Activists, influenced by the hashtag #NousToutes, protested his shows, calling for their cancellation. These protests reflect broader societal conversations surrounding issues of consent and accountability.
Yet, Ary Abittan, who is well-known for his roles in popular French comedies, including the successful trilogy "What Did We Do to the Good Lord?" has started resuming his public engagements again. He is scheduled to perform at La Cigale, Paris, at the end of February, showcasing his determination to move forward from this challenging period.
The discordant views surrounding the whole incident highlight the pre-existing tensions between narratives of personal experience versus established legal frameworks. While some laud the judicial process as providing necessary protections for the accused, others argue it diminishes the voice of those who have bravely come forward to share their experiences.
With the court's final ruling confirming Ary Abittan's non-lieu, the case exemplifies the complex interplay between accusations of sexual misconduct and the legal precedents necessary to navigate them. The outcome serves as both resolution for Abittan and reflection of societal challenges as debates about sexual consent and justice continue to develop.
For anyone affected by sexual violence, resources remain available, including the national hotline, 3919, dedicated to providing support and assistance.