“I didn’t think it would go as far as rape”, his former friend Bernard Kouchner reacts

Abbot Pierre has long embodied the image of an exemplary man, until two reports published in July and September 2024 revealed that he was the author of several sexual assaults. In total, 24 women accuse the man of the Church of acts such as forced kissing, masturbation and fellatio, which allegedly took place between 1950 and 2000.

Last Saturday, Bernard Kouchner returned to this affair during an interview with Aurélie CasseIn C l'Hebdo. The former Minister of Foreign Affairs actually knew Abbé Pierre well. Together, the two men published a book in 1993, God and men. If the politician said to himself shocked by these accusationshe also denounced the obligation of chastity of priests.

Bernard Kouchner returns to accusations of sexual assault against Abbé Pierre

“How do we feel when we discover these accusations, when we have been his friend?”asked Aurélie Casse to Bernard Kouchner. “We say a lot to each other. In terms of the accusations, certain areas do not seem clear to me. But, ultimately, we say to ourselves that it's disgusting (…) But that's not enough to talk about a man like Abbot Pierre”said the former minister of Foreign Affairs.

Aurélie Casse then reread some writings left by Abbot Pierre. “The tenderness of a woman (…), I have never experienced it. I have experienced constant, daily suffering, all my life”quoted the presenter of France 5. Aurélie Casse then asked Bernard Kouchner if he was aware of this suffering of Abbot Pierre. “He told me: ‘Yes, I like women’”then replied the politician.

Bernard Kouchner claims not to have been aware of the actions of Abbé Pierre

Nevertheless, Bernard Kouchner would never have thought that Abbé Pierre could commit sexual assault or rapes. “He didn't say, 'I touched their butts'”assured the politician. “He was talking about suffering, too?”then asked Aurélie Casse. “I didn’t think for a second that it was going as far as rape”declared Bernard Kouchner.

Former Minister of Foreign Affairs also stood up against the obligation of chastity of priests, which he thinks is at the origin of several abuses in the Church. “The chastity of priests in no way excuses…”Aurélie Casse then cuts him off. “But I’m not excusing it!”Bernard Kouchner then got carried away.

“I find it disgusting. Don't accuse me of finding that… (…) It's horrible, but, once again, let's not forget everything he did on the side”then explained the former friend of Abbé Pierre. Regardless, the politician has repeatedly assured that he has no never knew sexual assaults of which Abbé Pierre could have committed made guilty.