In recent months, Jean-Luc Lahaye had launched the “comeback” operation.
At 68, the singer of "Woman I Love" had just recorded a new self-produced album.
“There were good songs,” says a relative.
Du Lahaye, of course, but also more surprising stuff.
Concerts were planned from next week.
His indictment this Friday evening in the context of a case of rape of minors obviously swept the entire schedule.
And created a certain embarrassment on the side of his relatives.
“It's a crumbling empire.
His return was, however, well underway, ”says a professional.
Producer of some of his shows, Olivier Kaefer refuses to speak out on the subject, "because of the ongoing investigation".
"He is presumed innocent," he insists.
But if he is condemned, then I will not be able to condone.
"
Read alsoThe long drift of Jean-Luc Lahaye, star of the 1980s, caught up with accusations of rape on teenage fans
The concert dates of the interpreter of "Papa singer" - about twenty were scheduled - are hanging by a thread.
Since Thursday morning, when the artist was in custody, most of the organizers have backed down, even for shows scheduled for next summer.
Result: the tour is now put on hold.
Will it be saved in the event of a favorable outcome on the justice side?
Some people close to the artist would like to believe it… but have trouble.
“The image of Jean-Luc has already been very damaged the first time
(the singer was sentenced in 2015 for“ sexual games ”with a minor)
.
There, the return will be difficult, we are not going to see him again on television… ”sighs one of his friends.
"Why does this case appear years after the fact?
"
All hope that the accusations against the singer are false. "I really hope that these are only fantasies of children, young girls who wanted
to be
Jean-Luc Lahaye", slips a relative who has "never seen" any inappropriate behavior of the artist . “I was sure he was cleared of the cars. For some time now, he has been deeply involved in skydiving, it was his new passion, we saw him very happy. Afterwards, we also wonder why this case appears years after the facts… ”
Are the artists going to want to continue working with him?
"The refrain that we hear is:
if he is condemned, we no longer want to see him, if he is innocent, no problem
", reports a professional in the world of music.
For the moment, all are "awaiting" the continuation of the investigation which will have, they say, strong repercussions on the image of Jean-Luc Lahaye, whatever the outcome of the affair.
