Crans-Montana bar owner Jacques Moretti detained over alleged domestic violence
Jacques Moretti, co-owner of the Swiss bar Le Constellation where 41 people died in January, is in pre-trial custody in Valais after allegedly assaulting his wife Jessica.
Domestic violence arrest in Lens
Jacques Moretti, the 50-year-old French co-owner and manager of the Le Constellation bar, has been placed in pre-trial detention in Switzerland over allegations of severe domestic abuse. Swiss police detained Moretti during the night of 11 to 12 August 2026 at the couple's home in the municipality of Lens, located in the canton of Valais. The incident involved alleged physical violence against his wife and business partner, Jessica Moretti, who sustained injuries that required admission to a local hospital. Swiss regional television broadcaster Léman Bleu first reported the detention on 23 August 2026, with details later confirmed by public broadcaster RTS and European news outlets. Authorities have not officially confirmed specific charges related to the assault or disclosed whether Jessica Moretti remains hospitalised.
Response from defense counsel and prosecutors
The public prosecutor's office of the canton of Valais declined to comment on the arrest when contacted by Swiss media outlets, including the newspaper Blick. In response to the broadcast reports, the defense lawyers representing Jacques and Jessica Moretti released a formal statement on the evening of 23 August 2026. The legal team stated that the domestic violence allegations are being investigated separately by judicial authorities and concern only the private lives of the couple.
They should not be confused with the Constellation tragedy.
The attorneys stated that the incident must be viewed in the context of the intense psychological and legal pressure the couple has experienced since the beginning of the year.
- Fire at Le Constellation bar kills 41 people and injures more than 115.
- Jacques Moretti is placed in pre-trial custody over flight risk concerns.
- Moretti is released after posting 215,000 euros in bail.
- Moretti is arrested in Lens on suspicion of domestic abuse.
Investigation into the Crans-Montana disaster
The domestic abuse detention occurs as Swiss prosecutors continue their investigation into the fatal fire that destroyed Le Constellation during New Year's celebrations. The blaze erupted in the early hours of 1 January 2026 in the Alpine ski resort of Crans-Montana, killing 41 people and injuring between 115 and 119 patrons. Most of the victims who died were teenagers and young people, with official records noting that 26 of the deceased were minors. Forensic investigators believe the fire started when lit ice fountains, commonly attached to champagne bottles, ignited flammable soundproofing mats installed across the venue's ceiling. A total of 16 individuals are currently designated as suspects in the criminal investigation, with both Jacques and Jessica Moretti facing charges of negligent homicide, bodily harm by negligence, and negligent arson. Jessica Moretti is also under investigation for suspected document forgery connected to the establishment.
Previous custody and flight risk bail
This marks the second time Jacques Moretti has entered pre-trial detention during the ongoing legal proceedings in Valais. Swiss authorities previously arrested Moretti on 9 January 2026 after judicial magistrates determined that he presented a significant flight risk following the fire disaster. He remained held in custody for two weeks before obtaining release after posting a financial bail deposit of 215,000 euros. While the manslaughter and arson proceedings involve broader municipal and regulatory safety compliance, Swiss authorities are treating the domestic assault investigation as an independent criminal case.
