Slimane’s presence maintained despite accusations of sexual harassment

A few hours before the 26th edition of the NRJ Music Awardsdoubt persists regarding the presence of Slimane on the stage of the Palais des Festivals et des Congrès in Cannes. While he is one of the named artists, who will be in the spotlight this Friday, November 1, he has also just been the target of a complaint for sexual harassment, as revealed by Le Parisien a few days ago. If the organization of the awards ceremony briefly considered a program shake-up in the face of this emerging controversy, it ultimately decided to “touch nothing”.

Slimane accused of sexual harassment by a technician on his tour: discussion whether consensual or not, NRJ Music Awards… the latest information on the case

“He remains presumed innocent, so we don’t have to try him.” Now, if he decides not to come for one reason or another, that’s his choice and we will respect it. We know how to adapt, we have seen others…” had confided a person close to the matter to the French newspaper. Present behind the scenes this Thursday evening, our colleagues from Le Parisien initially had doubts about the participation of the artist, who had missed his 5 p.m. slot. Finally his presence was confirmed a few minutes later, which indicates that the interpreter of “Mon amour” decided to go on stage to defend this title, nominated in the French-speaking song of the year category.

“I almost died”: victim of a technical problem during a concert, Slimane recounts the mishap which could have cost him dearly (video)

As a reminder, the complaint in question comes from a technician from the Cupidon Tour who notably accuses Slimane of having blocked him against a wall, by “imposing a hug” on him. “Slimane explains to him that he wants a sexual relationship with him. His interlocutor replies that he is not interested, that he is heterosexual and married, but the singer insists and takes him to his dressing room. » explains the plaintiff’s lawyer. The facts date back to December 2023, when the tour visited the Zénith de Saint-Etienne and while the team was participating in a party. As for the singer’s entourage, we categorically deny any constraint, and we speak of contact “between two consenting adults”.