On Thursday, a new session was held in the trial of Moroccan artist Saad Lamjarred in the case that has occupied public opinion, denying that he raped a French girl, Laura B., or had a sexual relationship with her in response to her accusations that he raped her and beat her in a hotel room.

Lamjarred’s Account of Events

During the trial, Lamjarred recounted the events when he met Laura in October 2016. 

At first, his account matched Laura’s version of events, which stated that they met at a luxurious nightclub in Paris before going to Lamjarred’s hotel room. 

Lamjarred talked about what happened in the taxi, saying, “One of us held the other’s hand, and I praised her beauty,” according to France Press’s report.

The French agency quoted Lamjarred as saying, “We hugged, and it was not a friendly hug… One of us was attracted to the other. It was not just physical; I loved her personality even though we only talked for two hours.”

In the room, they danced and talked, then she told him, “I’m sorry, I couldn’t kiss you in front of everyone,” and Lamjarred considered her words a “signal,” so he leaned down and gave her a “long kiss.”

Where the testimonies contradict

At this point, the differences between the two stories begin, as Laura B. said in court on Tuesday, “We danced and heard music and exchanged various conversations,” then “we exchanged kisses. Then, suddenly, he hit me on my head.”

Laura stated she complied out of fear, and Lamjarred allegedly punched her, raped her, and bit her in the back before she managed to escape. 

Lamjarred, on the other hand, stated that they were undressing when he felt a painful scratch on his back. Then, involuntarily, he pushed Laura down on her face, which he said he regretted.

We wish we were making this up, but unfortunately, we’re not.

He stated, “I did something I regretted. I pushed her on her face violently. It was an involuntary reaction. I am not proud of it,” reminding that he had drunk alcohol and used drugs.

It’s worth noting that he refused to talk about the similar rape charges he’s facing in Morocco, the United States, and France.

The trial is set to reach a verdict tomorrow.