Marseille Mayoral Race Rocked by Sexual Assault Allegations Against Candidate’s Aide

Marseille’s upcoming municipal elections are facing increased scrutiny following allegations of sexual assault against Maxime Boudet, a candidate on Martine Vassal’s right-center list. Boudet, who too serves as a spokesperson for Renaissance in the city, was placed in police custody Tuesday morning regarding the accusations, casting a shadow over Vassal’s campaign as the election nears.

Allegations and Investigation

Maxime Boudet, 33, is suspected of sexually assaulting a 19-year-old man in a Marseille nightclub on February 19th, following a debate organized by BFM TV between the four main contenders for mayor according to Le Parisien. He is accused of “sexual assault while clearly intoxicated.”

Police have reviewed videos from the nightclub which allegedly show Boudet’s actions Le Parisien reports. Boudet denies the allegations.

The complainant in the case is reportedly an activist for the National Rally, appearing on the list of Franck Allisio, a competing candidate in the mayoral race as reported by Le Parisien. The National Rally has declined to comment on the matter.

Vassal’s Response and Political Context

Martine Vassal, the Renaissance-backed candidate for mayor of Marseille, addressed the allegations on BFM Marseille Provence, stating, “We are talking about serious facts. In France, there is the presumption of innocence. We will wait for the judgment and, as usual, I will take my responsibilities,” as reported by BFM TV. She declined to comment further on the “ongoing matter.”

Vassal also pointed to prior convictions of candidates on other lists, noting that Sébastien Jibrayel and Lyece Choulak on the PS list were convicted of violence and Sandrine D’Angio of the National Rally was sentenced to a year of ineligibility for favoritism according to BFM TV.

Boudet’s Position and Legal Status

Maxime Boudet is positioned 24th on Martine Vassal’s list, “Marseille je t’aime,” and serves as a spokesperson for Renaissance in Marseille as reported by France Bleu. He has been released from police custody and is not currently under judicial control, but is expected to appear in court in September BFM TV reports. Boudet’s lawyer states that his client “vigorously contests” the accusations according to France Bleu.