A 72-year-old Argentinian man has been convicted of sexual assault for groping a woman during the Monaco Grand Prix, as reported by Monaco Matin…
The incident occurred on May 23, 2025, when the victim, identified under the pseudonym “Élodie”, felt pressure on both buttocks while taking a photograph. Frozen in shock, she alerted security, leading to the identification of the suspect, who was later brought before the Monaco criminal court.
According to Monaco Matin, the man denied the allegations, claiming he had been aboard the luxury cruise ship Explora II at the time of the assault. The court, however, was presented with multiple witness identifications, including testimony from a stand security agent who recognized him from a photo lineup.
Deputy Prosecutor Emmanuelle Carniello described the accused’s actions as those of “a man who seeks to impose his will,” emphasizing that the victim was “denied respect for her body.” The prosecution requested a six-month suspended prison sentence.
The defence argued reasonable doubt, questioning the reliability of witness accounts and suggesting that the victim’s sister, who was present, was emotionally biased. Nevertheless, the Monaco criminal court rejected these arguments, siding with the prosecution and sentencing the man to six months’ imprisonment, suspended.
The case highlights the darker side of major public events such as the Monaco Grand Prix, where high crowd density can create opportunities for predatory behaviour.
