Jazzman Jacky Terrasson indicted for sexual assault on a minor

Without naming him directly, an article published in Mediapart denounced in March an “omerta” in the jazz world on sexual violence. Ten days later, Radio France revealed the existence of a complaint against Jacky Terrasson, who denies the accusations, for rape of a minor under the age of fifteen. From Le Monde, the Bordeaux public prosecutor confirms the indictment of the Franco-American pianist, on June 17, for sexual assault on a minor.

In March, the victim was presented by her lawyer as the daughter of a colleague of Jacky Terrasson. The facts date back to 2015, when the complainant was 6 years old, and took place on the sidelines of a tour. Initially targeted by a complaint for rape of a minor, the 60-year-old musician is placed under the status of assisted witness for this charge. An intermediate status, less accusatory than indictment.

Report from Bordeaux University Hospital

“We maintain that the facts described by my client are likely to be qualified as rape,” defends Cécile Boulé, the plaintiff’s lawyer, in Sud Ouest. Conversely, Arnaud Dupin, counsel for Jacky Terrasson, points to “a case much weaker than the public accusations”. After an initial dismissal, the courts considered that they had elements that could lead to suspicion of touching, which amounts to sexual assault.