The artist performed on the stage of the Festival des Plages Électroniques, this Sunday, August 6, in Cannes, while facing accusations of rape.
Announced as the festival’s headliner for months, the appearance of the rapper Lomepal was not welcomed by everyone. Antoine Valentinelli, his real name, is accused of sexual assault by several women. This Thursday, August 3, just three days before his trip to Cannes, Le Parisien revealed that a preliminary investigation for rape has been opened against him by the Paris Prosecutor’s Office. The events reportedly date back to 2017 and allegedly took place in New York.
The person concerned reacted immediately on his social media by publishing a statement denying the accusations leveled against him. “For three years, I’ve been hearing stories and the most false ones about me, about my team, about my entourage. I’m speaking out today because a line has been crossed in recent weeks and I can no longer remain silent”, he wrote.
In this context, feminist activists from Planning Familial 06 and NousToutes 06, who are present every day at the festival to provide prevention services, announced that they “strongly oppose the presence of rapper Lomepal on Sunday, August 6, 2023, within the programming of the Plages Électroniques, a festival organized by Panda Events.”
Matthieu Corosine, director and co-founder of Plages Électroniques, was a guest on BFM TV on August 3. He spoke on the controversial subject, suggesting that removing Lomepal from the lineup proved challenging: “Since the first allegations, the first rumors, we have reached out to all parties involved but we have contractual and legal constraints.”
“Keeping Lomepal in the festival lineup contributes to rape culture“
The festival openly commits in its communication against sexual and gender-based violence, notably announcing the implementation of prevention booths or measures like the Safer app or the Angela cocktail. The associations highlight the paradox of maintaining the artist in the lineup.
They explain in a joint statement why the presence of Lomepal or any artist accused of sexual assaults bothers them: “Having a feminist stance begins with unconditionally believing the victims’ testimonies. Keeping Lomepal in the festival lineup contributes to the rape culture that trivializes and minimizes sexual violence. Keeping Lomepal perpetuates the impunity of aggressors.“
Lomepal, meanwhile, says he is “calm” and announces he is ready to answer to justice when the time comes. Thus, he concludes: “I know I have nothing to hide and no reason to hide”.
The artist was not removed from the festival lineup. For his first public appearance since the announcement of the investigation, security was increased. He was seen surrounded by numerous bodyguards as he exited the stage. The performer of “Trop Beau” managed to put on a show for more than an hour in front of an audience that showed up, with few incidents. A small group of activists booed the singer before his performance amidst a crowd mostly there to enjoy the concert.
