French minister denies rape accusations saying his disability makes it physically impossible

France's new Minister of Solidarity Damien Abad 'contests in the strongest terms' the 'accusations of sexual violence' against him. Photo / Getty Images

A newly appointed minister of Emmanuel Macron's government has denied raping two women, insisting that his disability makes him incapable of sexually assaulting someone.

Damien Abad, the newly appointed minister for solidarity and the disabled, is accused of raping a woman in 2010 and another in 2011.

One of the women filed a complaint to the police against Abad in 2017 which was closed without further action, Abad said.

"I contest with the greatest force these accusations of sexual violence," he said in a statement.

"The sexual relations that I have had throughout my life have always been by mutual consent."

Abad said his disability, a disorder called arthrogryposis that affects all four of his limbs, made it physically impossible for him to undress or carry someone.

The accusers do not know each other according to Mediapart, which broke the story. One of the women said she went for dinner with Abad in October 2010 after he pursued her persistently. She said she drank a glass of champagne and woke up in a hotel room in her underwear with Abad. She said she does not recall how she got there.

Investigation dropped

The woman said she attempted to confront Abad in recent weeks about the incident but she did not get a response.

Abad's other accuser told Mediapart that he hassled her for a date for many years until she finally accepted to spend an evening with him in January 2011. After he insisted she drink champagne, she told Mediapart, she consented to a sexual relationship until she asked him to stop which she claims he failed to do.

That woman spoke informally to police in 2012 and made a complaint of rape in 2017. The investigation was dropped after police said they did not have enough evidence.

Abad was appointed to Macron's cabinet on Friday following the French president's re-election.

Asked to comment on the accusations against Abad, Prime Minister Elisabeth Borne said she was not aware of them when he joined the government.

"I will be very clear: on all these subjects of harassment, sexual assault, there can be no impunity and we must continue to act so that women who may be victims of assault and harassment, can speak freely," she said.

Borne said her government would bear the consequences of appointing Abad, "if there are new elements and a new case is opened".

Sexual harm - Where to get help
If it's an emergency and you feel that you or someone else is at risk, call 111.
If you've ever experienced sexual assault or abuse and need to talk to someone, contact Safe to Talk confidentially, any time 24/7:
• Call 0800 044 334
• Text 4334
• Email support@safetotalk.nz
• For more info or to web chat visit safetotalk.nz
Alternatively contact your local police station - click here for a list.
If you have been sexually assaulted, remember it's not your fault.
MALE SEXUAL ABUSE SURVIVORS
Where to get help
If it's an emergency and you feel that you or someone else is at risk, call 111.
• If you've ever experienced sexual assault or abuse and need to talk to someone call the confidential crisis helpline Safe to Talk on 0800 044 334 or text 4334. (available 24/7)
• Male Survivors Aotearoa offers a range of confidential support at centres across New Zealand - find your closest one here.
• Mosaic - Tiaki Tangata: 0800 94 22 94 (available 11am-8pm)
• Alternatively contact your local police station - click here for a list.
If you have been abused, remember it's not your fault.