Wind of panic in the sailing world with skipper Kevin Escoffier being reported to the courts for “inappropriate behavior” which would amount to acts of sexual violence.
French sailor, Kevin Escoffier is a name in the world of sailing. Winner of the Transat Jacques Vabre in 2005 or the Jules Verne Trophy in 2015, the skipper is currently in turmoil. On June 5, Kevin Escoffier was reported to the Ministry of Sports before receiving a second, on June 9, under article 40 of the Code of Criminal Procedure, from the French Sailing Federation, with the Paris prosecutor.
The first elements of these reports highlighted the attitude of the skipper of the monohull Holcim-PRB towards a young press officer from his team, at the end of May, during a stopover of the Ocean Race in Newport. . If the latter had not lodged a complaint, Kevin Escoffier had described the case as an “alleged incident” explaining “that no concrete element had been collected.” “Attitudes depend on the perception of others and that is very important to live in society. It is a necessary reflection and I am ready to answer it. But not having a precise statement on which to base myself, I cannot do it “he had explained in particular to The Team June 6th. The matter is actually much more complex.
Overwhelming testimonials
In its edition of Tuesday, June 13 and after ten days of investigation, the satirical newspaper du Canard enchainé revealed new elements with damning testimonies against the French navigator. Three women, one man… All evoke the regular skids of Kevin Escoffier. Harassment, alleged touching, messages as well as photos and videos of a sexual nature… The testimonies are final. “We were not aware that other girls could possibly have experienced sexual harassment, or even sexual assault, explains one of the women who testifies. Out of solidarity for the victim or victims and for male behavior to change in this sport, I decided to bring my testimony” explains one of the women at Canard Enchainé.
At the time of writing these few lines, Kevin Escoffier has not spoken to defend himself or simply react to the various accusations. Justice having seized the case, the investigation will now follow its course.