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Paris Prosecutors Seek Suspended Sentence for TV Host Vincent Cerutti in Buttocks-Biting Case

The case turns on whether the bites had a sexual intent within a workplace described as permissive.

Overview

  • At Tuesday’s hearing, the prosecutor requested a six‑month suspended prison term and a €10,000 fine.
  • Complainant Caroline Barel testified that Cerutti bit her in November 2015 and February 2016, presented a photo of a sizable hematoma, and described subsequent depression and medication.
  • Cerutti acknowledged biting colleagues but denied any sexual intent, characterizing the conduct as a childish team game akin to “chat‑bite.”
  • Witness statements described a pattern of similar bites at Chérie FM and a permissive, male‑dominated culture that afforded a star presenter de facto immunity.
  • The court reserved its decision until February 4, 2026, with statutory penalties for the charge reaching up to five years in prison and a €75,000 fine.