Dominique Strauss-Kahn faces Washington gang-rape claim

A prosecutor in France is to consider claims by two prostitutes that ousted Intermational Monetary Fund chief Dominique Strauss-Kahn was involved in a gang rape at a party in Washington, according to a French newspaper.

The paper, Liberation, reported (in French) that it was alleged that two businessmen and a senior French police officer were present during the attack in 2010, when Strauss-Kahn was being tipped to become the next French president.


Judges in France asked a French prosecutor to look into the escorts' claims and the prosecutor is due to announce next week if a further, formal investigation will take place, according to Liberation. Meantime, the New York Times reported the assault allegedly occured at a "sex party" at the W Hotel in Washington in December 2010.

Strauss-Kahn and the others have not been charged in relation to the claim, but Strauss-Kahn does face separate charges of “aggravated pimping.”

The escorts made the claims about the alleged gang rape in testimony given during the ongoing investigation of Strauss-Kahn’s involvement in an organized prostitution ring in Normandy.

Former IMF boss, Dominique Strauss Kahn, continues to face sexual charges on both sides of the Atlantic. There is an alleged rape charge in the U.S. and alleged involvement in a prostitution ring in France. ITN's Martin Geissler reports.

The alleged assault in Washington took place during a three-day trip to the city. The two escorts had accompanied two French businessman as their secretaries, according to Liberation's report.

It alleged that one of the escorts, called "Marion," was raped by Strauss-Kahn in the presence of the three others, who she said did nothing to stop what was described as rough sex despite her vocal protests. 

Meet Monsieur Caramel Pudding, likely French president

According to excerpts of eyewitness testimony published by Liberation online, the others looked on while Strauss-Kahn "held her hands down, grabbed her hair and hurt her." The escort also alleged that one of the other men held her hands down as Strauss-Kahn sexually assaulted her.

The woman gave testimony in the ongoing investigation but did not press charges in relation to the Washington incident. Normally victims need to press charges for a case to be brought, but officials can decide to do so in certain cases.

The prosecutor will now decide whether to pursue the investigation to determine if there are grounds for a "group rape" charge.

NYC maid can sue
On Tuesday, a judge in New York ruled that a sexual assault lawsuit brought by hotel maid Nafissatou Diallo, 33, against Strauss-Kahn could go forward to trial, rebuffing his claim that he had diplomatic immunity.

State Supreme Court Justice Douglas McKeon's ruling kept alive the civil case that emerged from a May 2011 hotel-room encounter that also spurred now-dismissed criminal charges against Strauss-Kahn. The episode was the first in a series of allegations about his sexual conduct that sank his political career.

CNBC's Scott Cohn reports that Dominique Strauss-Kahn had tried to claim diplomatic immunity in fighting off the suit by the hotel maid.

The housekeeper said Strauss-Kahn, 63, tried to rape her when she arrived to clean his Manhattan hotel suite. Strauss-Kahn has denied doing anything violent during the encounter.

Prosecutors dropped the criminal charges last summer, saying they had developed doubts about Diallo's trustworthiness because she had lied about her background and her actions right after the alleged attack. Diallo has insisted she told the truth about what happened in the encounter itself.

Strauss-Kahn bundled away from Cambridge University protesters

Strauss-Kahn resigned his IMF job days after his arrest, and he didn't assert immunity from the criminal prosecution; his lawyers have said he was focused then on trying to exonerate himself. But after the lawsuit was filed, about three months later, they said he should have immunity from the civil case.

Invoking an American sports metaphor, the judge said their argument amounted to a "Hail Mary" pass, and one that raised a question of fairness.

"Strauss-Kahn cannot eschew immunity (in the criminal case) in an effort to clear his name only to embrace it now to deny Ms. Diallo the opportunity to clear hers," the judge wrote. 

NBC News and The Associated Press contributed to this report.

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Jump to discussion page: 1 2

Those politicians, setting the example again!

I think regular people's standards should be dropped so our politicians look good again. Your politician Embezzle? You get one free outright mugging free of prosecution! Your politician have an affair? Everybody gets TWO free relationships outside their marriage that aren't grounds for divorce!

Make our politicians look good all over again! I mean, why shouldn't we make them heroes by adjusting our own morals? They've adjusted theirs!

  • 4 votes
Reply#1 - Fri May 4, 2012 11:27 AM EDT
Comment author avatarJoeNYExpand Comment Comment collapsed by the community

I thought I heard that the prosti-er-escort said that DSK kept yelling, "That's justice for Trayvon bi-atch." while gang raping her.

That's what I thought I heard anyway.

    #1.1 - Fri May 4, 2012 12:50 PM EDT

    He is a PHUCKING SEXUAL DEVIANT...put him behind bars where he belongs!

    • 9 votes
    #1.2 - Fri May 4, 2012 12:56 PM EDT

    Thats what happens when you dont play by someone else's rules... this guy definitely crossed someone more powerful and theyre exploiting his obvious weakness

    • 4 votes
    #1.3 - Fri May 4, 2012 1:09 PM EDT

    this guy is one sick puppy!

    • 2 votes
    #1.4 - Fri May 4, 2012 1:41 PM EDT

    That story just stinks from fraud! Now, out of a sudden there are more allegations.

    B.S.

      #1.5 - Fri May 4, 2012 2:39 PM EDT

      I do believe DSK got away with rape only because his victim was not an angel. All kinds of people get raped, from criminals to nuns. You shouldn't have to be the latter to qualify for justice.

      DSK is in need of serious therapy...or he should get his wee-wee cut off.

      • 3 votes
      #1.6 - Fri May 4, 2012 3:34 PM EDT

      DSK is a complete Perv.

      • 3 votes
      #1.7 - Fri May 4, 2012 3:39 PM EDT
      Reply

      The US dropped the ball when they let this vile excuse of a failed penile implant go back to France.

      • 12 votes
      Reply#2 - Fri May 4, 2012 11:41 AM EDT

      Sh** happens.This doesn't mean that friggin haitian or whoever she was has a case

      • 1 vote
      Reply#3 - Fri May 4, 2012 11:58 AM EDT

      Good work, you have successfully stood up for your super-rich corporate masters. When do you get granted your own corporate fiefdom for your loyalty?

      • 5 votes
      #3.1 - Fri May 4, 2012 12:52 PM EDT

      You are in the wrong continent. She is from Guinea which is in West Africa, not Haiti - so you weren't even close. Also force-able sodomy in not just "Sh** happening." Whether she has a case is up to the courts. What he actually did or didn't do is unknown and her plans to sue him probably ruined the criminal case. But it is highly likely that he at least attempted to assault her, given his history as a sex fiend and habitual womanizer. Viva la France!

      • 8 votes
      #3.2 - Fri May 4, 2012 1:02 PM EDT
      Reply

      Nice Fench Diplomate. Hillary Clinton said today that this was a "vast right wing conspiracy".

      Bill Clinton said "Let me at 'er with my cigar.

      John Edwards - well he be busy.

      Vote Democrat

      • 3 votes
      Reply#4 - Fri May 4, 2012 12:05 PM EDT

      Craig said "I just have a wide stance in airport toilets".

      Foley said "I was just being friendly with those under age congressional pages"

      Vote Republican

      • 8 votes
      #4.1 - Fri May 4, 2012 12:16 PM EDT

      Touche' However the Democrats at least like girls.

      • 5 votes
      #4.2 - Fri May 4, 2012 12:26 PM EDT

      Not everything has to do with democrats and republicans! He is french and she is from West Africa. And if you want to make it political, we can list the 50+ republican pols who have been caught up in sex scandals - many of them closeted gays. The thing that conservatives don't seem to get is that humans love to have sex. Lots of it. So what? - as long as it's consensual.

      • 6 votes
      #4.3 - Fri May 4, 2012 1:05 PM EDT

      Touche' However the Democrats at least like girls.

      What are you saying, that Democrats are homophobic? Figures. They're a bunch of hypocrites anyway.

      • 1 vote
      #4.4 - Fri May 4, 2012 2:25 PM EDT

      Touche? How about Douche? (sorry can't do accents here).

      Dominique Strauss-Kahn belongs in a really nasty prison, where a 300 pound inmate can give him three free lessons a day on consensual sex.

      • 2 votes
      #4.5 - Fri May 4, 2012 3:32 PM EDT

      CEO2NV2: I thought that he said "...the Democrats at least like girls.". But hey, change it to whatever makes you feel better. Buzz words are great for making a spin!!

      • 1 vote
      #4.6 - Fri May 4, 2012 3:33 PM EDT
      Reply

      It amazes me that men with so much money would not just get a regular hooker, paid her properly for all the tricks, and be done with it. Why take such risks? F... idiots...

      • 3 votes
      Reply#5 - Fri May 4, 2012 12:08 PM EDT

      Ask Billy Clinton. Power Corrupts.

      • 2 votes
      #5.1 - Fri May 4, 2012 12:11 PM EDT
      Reply

      The evidence continues to mount! Strauss-Kahn is one sick pervert! Thank God, all of this came out before he ran for France's Presidency and won. Brrrr, what a nightmare that would have been and what an embarrassment for France!

      • 5 votes
      Reply#6 - Fri May 4, 2012 12:13 PM EDT

      What evidence? Seems to me its all accusations. two thing in this country, sex and drugs in which you are guilty with only an accusation no proof needed.

      • 1 vote
      #6.1 - Fri May 4, 2012 3:12 PM EDT

      When people have been constantly coming onto the scene talking of rapes and coersion all by a single individual as has been the case with Strauss-Kahn, it's far more telling than just a single accusation! Besides, his extraordinary wealth has allowed him to gain access to some of the best legal minds in the World, lawyers with "connections" and who know every loophole and angle that will get their client exonerated. A case in point was the New York maid case being thrown out, which was the result of just such high powered legal eagles doing what they're paid to do! The message is a clear one: if you're rich enough and powerful enough you can get away with anything!

      • 1 vote
      #6.2 - Fri May 4, 2012 7:27 PM EDT

      That's the reason, every picture you see of this guy he's got this big smirk on his face!

        #6.3 - Fri May 4, 2012 7:37 PM EDT

        RBTatt:

        Now, that he looks weak, the false accusers, who smell blood and money, are coming out of the woodwork. You don't have a lot of independent accusations against one man. You have a lot of accusations against a man who got a target placed on his back. If they were somehow dredging up allegations that had been dismissed and forgotten, you might have something. Instead, you have, "oh, yeah, I didn't say anything at the time; but now that he looks vulnerable, I want some money."

          #6.4 - Sat May 5, 2012 12:50 AM EDT
          Reply

          Wish I'd gotten laid as much as this ole fox

          • 1 vote
          Reply#7 - Fri May 4, 2012 12:16 PM EDT

          Let us not all be naive about this issue. The more money and power you have, the more of this type of activity becomes a what they believe is a 'privilege' they will indulge in.

          Dominique Strauss-Kahn is a POS. He was chief of the IMF. Favors, sexual, political or otherwise, is the yes or no determination for which you will be financially helped in this business. This is extremely rampant, just that all have not been caught.

          He got away with attempted rape in NY. He was guilty but money and power prevailed over a 'common' worker making minimum wage.

          His political friends in France are just as involved and just as guilty. Power and money have a good chance of prevailing - it always has. Which is a sorry answer.

          • 7 votes
          Reply#8 - Fri May 4, 2012 12:43 PM EDT

          Anyone hear about the Presidential Secret Service of the most powerful nation on earth engaging in this kind of activity? Arguing over a couple of bucks for the not so secret services rendered?

          • 1 vote
          #8.1 - Fri May 4, 2012 12:47 PM EDT

          The Secret Service works for both sides you idiot. Stop making this a Democrat/Republican issue just like your ignorant 'Billy Clinton" remark above. If the Secret Service thing happened while Bush was in office, you'd probably down play the whole thing but since it took place under a Democratic President suddenly it's a huge, sarcastic laden issue for you. Grow up, read a book and stop being part of the problem!

          • 3 votes
          #8.2 - Fri May 4, 2012 2:32 PM EDT

          And take it off "bold". For America.

          • 2 votes
          #8.3 - Fri May 4, 2012 3:01 PM EDT
          Reply

          The reason why DSK got away from his rape in New York because he is a Jew and in NY he was surrended by his brothers everywhere jewish lawyers, judges, and prosecutors. In America, you can pay good lawyers and get away from your crime, but not in Europe. Plus the hotel maid in new york was a poor african immigrant, who cares.

            Reply#9 - Fri May 4, 2012 1:06 PM EDT

            Let me get this straight - the hooker complained about having sex? She might want to look up what others in her profession are supposed to do.

            • 2 votes
            Reply#10 - Fri May 4, 2012 1:16 PM EDT

            No, she complained about being forcibly raped. Sex is consensual and legal; rape is not. You might want to learn that distinction.

            • 5 votes
            #10.1 - Fri May 4, 2012 1:59 PM EDT

            Well, obviously you don't know that rape and sex are two different things. Get much? (education, that is.....)

            • 3 votes
            #10.2 - Fri May 4, 2012 2:06 PM EDT

            Sorry dip@!$%#s - a hooker going to a sex party complains about being held down and fu*&ed?\

            That's not rape in my book - it is what they bought and paid for.

            • 1 vote
            #10.3 - Fri May 4, 2012 2:26 PM EDT

            When it happens to your child, or someone you know, Hooker or not, maybe you'll think differently. Paid sex and rape are two different things but I guess not in your small minded little world. You know what they say about living in glass houses??? Who are you to judge?! Bet you're a religious type as well. That would explain alot, so full of judgement and hate. How sad for you!

            • 2 votes
            #10.4 - Fri May 4, 2012 2:37 PM EDT

            kpkelley: Everything you say is judgemental. You don't let anyone have an oppinion of their own. <99 isn't judging - he's stating an opinion. You, on the other hand judge him. What exactly does his religion, or lack there of, have to do with anything. Throw stones much?

            Rape - Paid Sex, I really don't know myself. I don't paritcipate in either. I think that someone with the lifestyle and morals of a prostitue probably should be questioned about the accusations though.

              #10.5 - Fri May 4, 2012 3:42 PM EDT

              KP and others - of course there is a difference between people making love/having sex and rape.

              But a hooker goes into the profession knowing that they are going to be fu(*ed and not made love to.

              Going to a sex party as a hooker and then complaining after the fact that the sex was a little rough - but never filing charges - is suspect to me.

              Based on the fact that there seems to be a coordinated effort against this guy so he would be stopped from obtaining office in France (some said he was the front-runner) really makes me wonder if this was just more BS and/or a setup.

                #10.6 - Fri May 4, 2012 3:55 PM EDT

                "...who she said did nothing to stop what was described as rough sex despite her vocal protests"

                No means no. You may have never heard that, lessThan99%, but it doesn't matter if it was a nun or a prostitute.

                • 1 vote
                #10.7 - Fri May 4, 2012 4:28 PM EDT

                "Based on the fact that there seems..."

                This logic explains a lot.

                • 1 vote
                #10.8 - Fri May 4, 2012 4:29 PM EDT
                Reply

                I have reason to believe that I also was raped by Dominique Strauss-Kahn. I have no recollection of such an event, however it seems statistically likely as he has raped everyone else and I am just as unappealing as his other victims.

                • 3 votes
                Reply#11 - Fri May 4, 2012 1:17 PM EDT

                Interesting posts above - MEN + POWER + EGO + WEALTH = BAD CHOICES!

                DSK's wife must be thrilled to see what what this old man comes home with next (stds). How proud she must be of this guy!

                • 2 votes
                Reply#12 - Fri May 4, 2012 1:23 PM EDT

                ...ooh la la! yet ANOTHER french pig. This one needs to be neutered. Definitely.

                  Reply#13 - Fri May 4, 2012 1:24 PM EDT

                  This guy has bought his way out of one too many questionable situations and most likely should have been prosecuted a long time ago. It's time to step up and put this scum bag in prison.

                  • 3 votes
                  Reply#14 - Fri May 4, 2012 1:48 PM EDT

                  Where are all of his supporters that were spouting off racist remarks about the African maid? I just love how the 3000 plus commentators are quiet when their gods fall to earth.

                  Contrary to white American beliefs, black women can get rape and have. Even by the so called glorious forefathers.

                  • 1 vote
                  Reply#15 - Fri May 4, 2012 2:15 PM EDT

                  And the prostitutes gain fame and are not punished. The scum bag Kahn needs to see Buba in his cell.

                  • 1 vote
                  Reply#16 - Fri May 4, 2012 2:16 PM EDT

                  is it possible to rape a prostitute?

                    Reply#17 - Fri May 4, 2012 2:36 PM EDT

                    YES!

                    • 1 vote
                    #17.1 - Fri May 4, 2012 2:46 PM EDT
                    Reply

                    Finaly, a Judge has determined that Straus Kahn is a sexual PREDATOR, he should have to register as such!

                    • 1 vote
                    Reply#18 - Fri May 4, 2012 2:44 PM EDT

                    Wow, how old is this guy? Who would want to watch? Prostitutes have sex for money, so did he pay her? If so it was not rape.

                      Reply#19 - Fri May 4, 2012 2:46 PM EDT

                      just because he paid for sex with her doesn't give him the right to hurt her or do something she objects to. Paying for something doesn't mean you can do whatever you want.

                      • 1 vote
                      #19.1 - Fri May 4, 2012 2:55 PM EDT

                      I hope you are kidding. Prostitutes can be raped. Even if he paid her! If he went further than she agreed that is rape. End of story. You can't tell me that if she screaming no and trying to get away that is not rape?!?! Just like anything else, just because you pay for one thing doesn't mean you are entitled to anything more. She is human...please try some compassion. His humanity on the other hand should be what is questioned.

                      • 3 votes
                      #19.2 - Fri May 4, 2012 2:57 PM EDT

                      It's not SLAVERY. He doesn't OWN her. Wow.

                        #19.3 - Fri May 4, 2012 3:04 PM EDT

                        Of course he doesn't own her ... but he did rent her.

                          #19.4 - Fri May 4, 2012 3:28 PM EDT

                          Under HER terms and conditions. You don't get to paint your apartment lime green, do you? The landlord's still the boss.

                            #19.5 - Mon May 7, 2012 3:07 PM EDT
                            Reply

                            Not only the IMF screws poor countries but they are literally screwing ppl. Ahh, love to see arrogant people or as we say "teflon ppl" getting caught with their pants down....

                            • 1 vote
                            Reply#20 - Fri May 4, 2012 2:53 PM EDT

                            Tres amusante! Monsieur Strauss-Kahn may or may not be guilty of being a horndog, perv and rapist, but there sure is a lot of smoke for there to be no fire behind these allegations. What is certain is that, thanks to these women (pros and amateurs alike), the IMF has been rid of a free-spending, socialist pig and France has been spared an abominable, potential President. Perhaps there is a God...

                            • 2 votes
                            Reply#21 - Fri May 4, 2012 2:59 PM EDT

                            He be a horny Frenchman. Nothing else to say.

                              Reply#22 - Fri May 4, 2012 3:12 PM EDT

                              What is baffling is that his wife keeps bailing him out. Surely she can't believe that he is completely innocent of every single one of these allegations? Even if he is only a cheater, why continue to finance his lifestyle? Yeah, his wife is the one with all of the money, so it is a bit of a mystery to me that she would put up with his nonsense.

                              • 1 vote
                              Reply#23 - Fri May 4, 2012 3:14 PM EDT

                              Betty: He is a horny Frenchman. He wife likes his style. French be weird.

                                #23.1 - Fri May 4, 2012 5:18 PM EDT
                                Reply

                                This guy is a sexual predator and needs to be in a cell.

                                • 1 vote
                                Reply#24 - Fri May 4, 2012 3:25 PM EDT

                                The pig is done if the NY case goes to trial. Alan Dershowitz wrote an excellent piece in Newsweek showing that there is now a very strong case to support the maid's allegations. And there were apparently video cameras that caught the comings and goings from that room.

                                This "man" seems to believe he is irresistible to women when he is in fact a predator.

                                • 1 vote
                                Reply#25 - Fri May 4, 2012 4:44 PM EDT
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