French rider Edouard Mathé has been indicted for rape, charges he disputes, AFP learned on Sunday from the Versailles prosecutor's office, confirming information from the Sunday Journal (JDD).
Edouard Mathé, 40, rider and technical director of the Tendercapital Stables stable, was indicted for rape, sexual assault and harassment on January 14 and placed under judicial supervision, said the prosecution.
A total of four women, now aged 18, 23, 27 and 35, filed a complaint.
One of them was a minor at the time.
The young woman was his student and his employee until June 2021.
Arrived in 2020 when she was 16 years old in the stable, she filed a complaint in November for “sexual abuse of a minor over 15 years old by a person in authority and harassment, according to her lawyer Me Nathalie Tomasini.
Rider challenges lack of consent
Banned by the French Riding Federation from participating in competitions after complaints of threats, Edouard Mathé appealed this decision.
The hearing will take place on January 28, according to the lawyer.
But the rider "continues to train today and is still in contact with young girls, it's very serious", explains the lawyer.
Mr. Mathé acknowledges having had sexual relations with the complainants but disputes the lack of consent, according to the prosecution, which entrusted the investigation to the Yvelines research section.
