Former After-School Animator on Trial in Paris for Sexual Harassment and Assault
Paris, May 5 – A significant criminal trial commenced on Tuesday, May 5, 2026, before the 15th chamber of the correctional court in Paris. At the center of the proceedings is a 47-year-old former after-school animator for the City of Paris, Nicolas G., who worked for many years at the Titon elementary school in the 11th arrondissement. He was reportedly considered the students’ “favorite” animator, known for his drawing workshops and close relationship with the children. This trial marks the beginning of judicial responses to the broader scandal of violence within Parisian after-school programs.
Accusations Against the Animator
Nicolas G., who had worked at Titon school for approximately ten years and with children for two decades, appeared in court freely. He faces charges of aggravated sexual harassment against nine CM2 schoolgirls and sexual assault against three of them. The alleged incidents date back to 2024. The prosecution accuses him of using inappropriate nicknames such as “my love baby,” “my delicious one,” or “my heart,” imposing hugs, recounting stories of rape and murder, drawing hypersexualized teenagers, and touching breasts. He faces a potential sentence of up to ten years in prison and a fine of 150,000 euros. This case extends beyond his individual actions, shedding light on systemic issues.
The Unfolding of Events
In October 2024, nine CM2 students collectively approached the director of Titon school to report the animator’s behavior. The director promptly alerted the City of Paris and the juvenile brigade.
“For once, in this case, with the exception of the after-school management, there has been a serious and satisfactory handling of the situation, from the head of the establishment to the justice system. We hope that this will go all the way with an exemplary conviction at the trial so that it opens the way to a new era where children will be heard and investigations conducted relatively quickly and well,” commented a co-founder of the collective “SOS périscolaire,” as quoted by Franceinfo.
The animator was suspended, and his judicial supervision now prohibits him from working with minors and requires him to seek treatment.
For the families involved, awareness developed gradually. One father recounted seeing his daughter change without understanding the cause of her distress. “We are absolutely not seeking revenge. We trust in justice, but I fully intend to tell the defendant at the hearing that his behavior has harmed our children and explain how,” this parent confided to Franceinfo. He explained that he eventually sought psychological help for his daughter, whose imagination seemed to be pervaded by violence and sexuality, and believes that the adults in the after-school program were slow to react.
An Emblematic Trial in the Parisian After-School Scandal
In response to the accusations, Nicolas G. denies the infractions. Presumed innocent, he refers to his actions as “clumsy remarks” and simple “hugs,” attributing the students’ testimonies to jealousy among the girls, according to Le Parisien. His criminal record was clean prior to this case. Suspended, he appeared freely under judicial supervision. Maître Julie Chalumeau, the lawyer representing five families, announced that she would request a closed-door hearing. Several parents also wish for the hearing to be held behind closed doors to protect their daughters, who are now middle school students.
This trial initiates the judicial response to the Parisian after-school scandal. Between January and the end of March 2026, 78 animators were suspended in Paris, 31 of whom were due to suspicions of sexual abuse. In response to this crisis, the Council of Paris voted for an emergency plan totaling 20 million euros. Parent collectives such as MeToo École and SOS Périscolaire are closely following this hearing, ahead of a second animator’s trial scheduled for May 26 for alleged sexual assaults on five children at the Alphonse-Baudin kindergarten, located in the same district.
In summary, on May 5, 2026, Nicolas G., 47, a former animator at Titon school in Paris, appeared in court for aggravated sexual harassment and sexual assault. Nine CM2 students reported inappropriate behavior, leading to the animator’s immediate suspension and the involvement of the juvenile brigade. This trial, part of the Parisian after-school scandal, follows the suspension of 78 animators and the implementation of a 20-million-euro emergency plan.
