Elite Paris School Embroiled in Sexual Violence Scandal: Eight Complaints Against Sports Teacher
A prestigious private school in Paris, École Tocqueville (part of the Fénelon Sainte-Marie group), is at the center of a deepening scandal following the filing of no fewer than eight complaints against a sports teacher for alleged sexual violence against minors under 15. A preliminary investigation is currently underway, led by the Brigade des mineurs (BPM), which has already visited the school three times to interview children, a highly unusual procedure in such cases.
The Disturbing Allegations: ‘Hide-and-Seek in the Dark’ and Solitary Acts
Le Point has spoken with several families of the alleged victims. Their children, aged between 2 and a half and 3 and a half at the time of the incidents (between 2023 and 2025), were enrolled in the school’s ‘petite section.’ They describe acts of sexual assault and rape allegedly committed during physical education classes by an external instructor. The incidents reportedly took place in the school’s basement gymnasium, involving unsettling games like ‘hide-and-seek in the dark’ or ‘wolf game,’ as well as sordid acts detailed by the children, such as ‘touching the penis’ and ‘finger in the buttocks.’ These acts are believed to have occurred when the teacher was alone with one or more students.
A Teacher’s Ambivalent Relationship and Missed Warnings
Families describe the 53-year-old teacher, always dressed in black and initially perceived as ‘professional’ and ‘cordial,’ as having an ambivalent relationship with students. Some were ‘overvalued’ and adored him, while others were humiliated and feared him, refusing to attend his classes. Several parents reported their children’s apprehension to a teacher as early as November 2024. ‘Weak signals that were not taken into account by the administration,’ lamented one father. The teacher, an employee of the private institution and not the national education system, had been in his position since 2020, teaching nine classes from ‘petite section’ to CE1, and was highly regarded by the Tocqueville administration.
Dismissal and a Troubling Lack of Communication
Following the first complaint in April 2025, the teacher was suspended and subsequently dismissed for gross misconduct in June 2025. However, many parents are critical of the crisis management, citing a lack of communication and apologies from the administration until January. This is particularly concerning given that the initial complainants discovered a similar report had been made by another family as early as September 2023. Me Thomas Amico, lawyer for the whistleblower family, criticized a ‘botched investigation’ that was ultimately dismissed, and has since joined as a civil party. The school’s director, still in post, declined to comment.
Systemic Failures and a Second School Implicated
A communiqué from the Catholic Education of Paris, dated May 5, acknowledged that an internal investigation ‘shows that, rigorously speaking, the information received as early as 2023 should have been transmitted to the authorities.’ However, it noted that ‘there was no formalized internal procedure as required by regulations since the 2025-2026 school year.’ This oversight is particularly problematic as the teacher also worked part-time at École primaire Saint-Michel de Picpus (Paris 12e) from September 2019, leaving in spring 2025 after the Tocqueville alert. The director of Saint-Michel de Picpus declined to comment due to the ongoing investigation.
Beyond the Schools: Martial Arts Instructor with a History
The accused was also a sports educator and martial arts teacher, holding a Fifth Dan in Karate. He taught at the Maison des jeunes et de la culture (MJC) in Colombes (92) since September 1997, including ‘baby karate’ classes. The director of MJC Colombes confirmed suspending the teacher on January 19 and dismissing him in February. He stated that all members registered since 2010 (over 4,000 people) were contacted. Le Point also revealed the existence of a complaint for sexual touching concerning a 4-year-old child enrolled in a baby karate class this year, confirmed by the child’s mother.
The Courbevoie karate club, where he had taught adults for three years, suspended him in late January following a prefectural order. The club director, close to the educator, expressed disbelief, describing him as ‘a bit gruff’ but ‘decent’ and ‘good-hearted.’
Denials and Repercussions
The accused, who maintains his innocence, denies the allegations. Before the BPM police in August 2025, he claimed to have ‘never touched a child in [his] life.’ His lawyer, Me Mathieu Vaugein, reminded Le Point that the first complaint was dismissed. ‘The consequences of these accusations are dramatic for all spheres of my client’s life; he is now seeking to rebuild,’ he added. Regarding the other complaints, Me Vaugein specified that the sports teacher ‘is not currently being prosecuted.’ According to our information, an investigating judge will be appointed very soon.
The implications of this case extend beyond the immediate victims, raising serious questions about institutional oversight, communication protocols, and the protection of children in educational and recreational settings.
Source: https://www.lepoint.fr/societe/une-nouvelle-affaire-de-violences-sexuelles-dans-une-ecole-privee-a-paris-XLNFTUFAFFAT5L5LG3M5QNFV5Y/
