The Paris prosecutor's office has closed the preliminary investigation against French rapper Lomepal, ruling on January 24, 2025, it did not find sufficient evidence to support the allegations of rape made by three women. The prosecutor's decision indicated the alleged incidents could not be "clearly established" during the investigations, marking a significant moment for the artist, born Antoine Valentinelli, who has consistently denied the accusations. He took to Instagram to state, "I am innocent. I resume my life."
The investigation began after the first complaint was filed by a woman who accused Lomepal of assaulting her in 2017 during his time in New York. This was followed by two more complaints, the second lodged at the end of 2023 and another one in May 2024, alleging incidents occurring as recently as 2018 within France.
Sacha Ghozlan, the attorney representing one of the complainants, hinted at the possibility of submitting new legal action aimed at reviving the investigation, emphasizing, "The prosecutor does not say the infraction did not occur, but the facts are old and there is not enough evidence to send it to trial." He expressed disappointment over the closure as it does not exonerate Lomepal but indicates the lack of sufficient elements to proceed.
The case has attracted increasing media attention since its inception, particularly this past summer when Jenna Boulmedais, chief editor of the online magazine Joly Môme, spoke out via Instagram. She claimed she had received numerous testimonies from women alleging inappropriate behavior by Lomepal and stated, "This silence is literally no longer possible. Seeing his name at the top of many festivals too."
Lomepal had been under significant pressure since the allegations surfaced, undergoing police questioning and confronting two of the complainants during the investigation period. While he admitted to having had casual relationships, he remained adamant he never committed any form of assault. "I heard the wildest and false stories about me, my team, and my entourage. For me as for everyone, there can be misunderstandings, different perceptions," he remarked, illustrating the toll the legal battles have taken on his life and career.
The controversy has highlighted broader issues within the music industry, particularly within the hip-hop scene, which has faced numerous allegations of sexual violence against various artists. The recent scrutiny has not only affected individual careers but has also sparked discussions about accountability and the treatment of allegations within the industry.
Lomepal's case exemplifies the challenges artists face amid accusations, especially when allegations resonate within the broader cultural conversation surrounding consent and abuse. Despite the prosecutor's closure of the case, the ramifications on his reputation and his public image could linger as discussions around the treatment of similar cases continue.
With the investigation closed for now, Lomepal has expressed hope to move forward, reflecting on how his life has been thoroughly examined throughout this period. He thanked those who had chosen to support him during the investigations and appears eager to resume his music career, stating simply, "See you soon."