A highly publicized trial of popular rapper Naps has begun in Paris, where he is accused of raping a young woman in October 2021. The artist, known for the hit 'La Kiffance', allegedly committed the act in a hotel room while the victim was asleep. Nabil Boukhobza consistently pleads not guilty, claiming the intercourse was consensual. The trial before the criminal court is scheduled to last until Thursday.

Trial begins in Paris

Rapper Nabil Boukhobza has appeared in court accused of rape of a 20-year-old woman in October 2021.

Artist's defense line

Naps consistently pleads not guilty and claims the sexual contact occurred with full consent.

Serial accusations

The musician is also involved in a case from July 2024, where three other women accuse him of sexual assaults.

The trial of Nabil Boukhobza, known by the stage name Naps, opened on Monday before the Paris criminal court. The 40-year-old artist from Marseille is facing charges related to events in October 2021, alleged to have taken place in a hotel near the Gare de Lyon station. According to the prosecution, the accused raped a then 20-year-old woman, taking advantage of her state of sleep. The Cour criminelle départementale has scheduled the trial to conclude by February 19, 2026. The accused denies the charges, maintaining the version of a voluntary encounter. The Naps case has sparked strong emotions in France not only due to his musical popularity but also because of other accusations against him. In July 2024, the musician was indicted in the Var department following reports from three other young women. Those charges involve rape and sexual assault, placing the artist in an extremely difficult legal situation. However, the current trial focuses solely on the Paris incident from over four years ago. The French legal system underwent reforms in recent years, establishing departmental criminal courts to expedite rulings in rape cases, which previously often went to jury courts (Assises), prolonging procedures by years. During Monday's opening arguments, the defense emphasized the lack of evidence of non-consent, while the plaintiffs highlighted the victim's trauma. Naps, whose song 'La Kiffance' was one of the most played tracks in France, faces a potential lengthy prison sentence if the court finds him guilty. „I never imposed anything on any woman; it was a consensual act from both sides.” — Nabil Boukhobza (Naps) The verdict in this case is expected by the end of the week, closely watched by organizations combating sexual violence in the entertainment industry. 4 — women have accused the rapper of sexual violence [{'dateISO': '2026-02-16', 'date': 'February 16, 2026', 'event': 'Trial opening before the Paris court'}, {'dateISO': '2026-02-17/2026-02-18', 'date': 'February 17-18', 'event': 'Witness and expert hearings'}, {'dateISO': '2026-02-19', 'date': 'February 19, 2026', 'event': 'Closing arguments and expected verdict'}]

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