World · Europe · 8 hrs ago
Kevin Escoffier faces trial over allegations of sexual assault by four women
French sailor Kevin Escoffier went on trial in Lorient on Monday, November 9, over allegations of sexual assault.
Four women say he touched them sexually at bars and events between 2017 and 2023.
The women, who worked in sailing or alongside Escoffier, describe similar incidents in places including Lorient, Newport, Melbourne and Brazil.
Escoffier denies all the allegations, and his lawyer is asking the court to cancel the case, arguing that much of the evidence came from people who did not witness the incidents.
The accusations helped prompt a #MeToo movement in sailing, highlighting concerns about misconduct in a largely male sport.
He faces up to five years in prison if convicted; the court must now consider the case and his lawyer’s request.
Kevin Escoffier is appearing in court in Lorient over allegations of sexual assault by four women.
The women say the alleged touching took place between 2017 and 2023, often at bars or promotional events.
Escoffier denies all the allegations.
His lawyer plans to ask the court to annul the proceedings, arguing that the investigation relied heavily on indirect witnesses.
He faces a possible prison sentence of up to five years.
- Who
- Kevin Escoffier, a 46-year-old sailor, is on trial after four women filed complaints.
- What
- He faces allegations of four sexual assaults, which he denies.
- When
- The alleged incidents took place between 2017 and 2023. His trial opened on 9 November 2026.
- Where
- The trial is at the criminal court in Lorient, France. The alleged incidents were reported in places including Lorient, Newport, Melbourne and Brazil.
- Why
- The four women allege that Escoffier touched their intimate body parts at bars or promotional events, often when alcohol was involved.
The four complainants
Kevin Escoffier and his defense
Allegations
The four complainants
The four women say Escoffier touched their intimate body parts at social events between 2017 and 2023.
Kevin Escoffier and his defense
Escoffier denies all the allegations.
Investigation
The four complainants
The complaints led to criminal proceedings against Escoffier.
Kevin Escoffier and his defense
His lawyer says the investigation relied on rumors and indirect witnesses and plans to seek annulment of the proceedings.
The four women say the alleged assaults took place during this period.
The complaints were revealed publicly, according to franceinfo.
Escoffier appeared before the criminal court in Lorient, where his lawyer planned to seek annulment of the proceedings.
- Accused
- Kevin Escoffier
- Complainants
- Four women
- Alleged period
- 2017–2023
- Trial venue
- Criminal court in Lorient, France
- Possible sentence
- Up to five years in prison
3 sources
Kevin Escoffier devant la justice, quatre femmes dénoncent des agressions sexuelles
What people are saying
93% of the charges come from indirect witnesses to the events
They just wanted to make an example