Former Lido Feather Artist Faces Trial for Sexual Assaults on Minors

Jean-Claude De Roo, a 77-year-old Belgian former feather artist and costume artisan for the legendary Parisian cabaret Le Lido, is standing trial from Monday to Wednesday before the Paris criminal court. He faces charges of rape and sexual assaults involving two minors, with alleged incidents occurring between 2007 and 2016. The defendant, also known as "Dominique" and previously a professional dancer and producer, denies all accusations. One case involves a 14-year-old boy named Baptiste, who was reportedly taken in by De Roo in 2007 with promises of introduction to the Parisian entertainment world. According to legal documents, the relationship was described as manipulative, with the artisan leveraging his prestige to influence the vulnerable teenager. Baptiste, now 33, filed a complaint in late 2020, seeking justice and recognition of his suffering. The investigation uncovered multiple testimonies suggesting De Roo's attraction to minors. The accused claims the relationship with Baptiste was consensual and initiated by the youth. The trial highlights serious allegations against a figure long associated with the iconic Paris cabaret scene.