Figure skating-Former French coach investigated over alleged rape
French prosecutors opened an investigation into claims of rape and sexual abuse of minors in figure skating on Tuesday as details emerged of allegations made 20 years ago against the coach at the heart of the case. In her autobiography, which was published on Thursday, Abitbol accused coach Gilles Beyer of raping her several times from 1990 to 1992 when she was between the ages of 15 and 17.
- Sports
- AP
- Published Date: 07:57 | 04 February 2020
- Modified Date: 08:01 | 04 February 2020
French prosecutors said on Tuesday they have launched a preliminary investigation into former figure skating coach Gilles Beyer for alleged rape of a minor and sexual aggression.
Former figure skater Sarah Abitbol, a bronze medallist with partner Stephane Bernadis at the 2000 world championships, recently published a book in which she said Beyer had raped her multiple times from 1990 to 1992.
Prosecutor Remy Heitz said in a statement that the preliminary investigation will look to "identify other victims who might have suffered... similar offences."
Beyer last week said that he had had "intimate" and "inappropriate" relations with Abibtol, who is now 44, in comments to Agence France Presse. Beyer could not immediately be reached for comment on Tuesday.
Sports minister Roxana Maracineanu on Monday asked French figure skating federation president Didier Gailhaguet, who at the time of the alleged rapes was already in charge, to resign. Gailhaguet has so far said only that he would "think about it".