French RnB singer Tsew the Kid indicted over spousal rape and violence allegations

French RnB singer Tsew the Kid, whose real name is Tsiry Ralaiarisedy, was indicted in January in Paris on charges of spousal rape against three women and violence against a fourth. A fifth woman has also filed a complaint, though the artist has not yet been questioned about that allegation. The 30-year-old, born in Madagascar and based in France, rose to fame in 2019 with his debut EP and the hit single 'Wouna'. He remains under judicial control that permits him to continue his music career, and in June he released a new track titled 'Laisse-moi t'aimer'.

The allegations

One accuser states that in December 2023, Tsew the Kid penetrated her anally with an object while she was under the influence of Salvia, a hallucinogenic plant. The singer told the investigating judge he had acted as a 'sober and benevolent guardian' for the intoxicated woman. Another woman alleges that in 2020, when she was 18 and he was 24, he imposed vaginal penetration on her. After the encounter, the artist wrote her a letter in which he said, 'I betrayed you, I abused your trust, I didn't know how to understand you and the first time we had sex I now realize it wasn't consensual.' Yet during his interrogation, he maintained the encounter was consensual.

I am 100% sure it was consensual at the time. We both agreed, there were kisses.

Artist's denial and legal status

Throughout the proceedings, Tsew the Kid has contested all charges. 'All relations were always consensual and there was never any violence,' he stated in his interrogation, according to AFP. The investigating judge found enough serious and corroborating evidence to proceed with the case. The singer's judicial control does not restrict his professional activities, and his Instagram account, followed by over 174,000 people, continues to promote his music.

Pattern of control

Lawyers for the civil parties, Emma Eliakim and Missiva Chermak Felonneau, said the multiplicity of accusations reveals a pattern.

This plurality highlights a mechanism of control and omnipotence targeting women who are particularly vulnerable because of their young age or previous trauma.

They added that the legal process sends a signal to other potential victims: 'If other young women recognize themselves in the facts denounced today, they now know that justice is ready to listen to them.'

What comes next

The investigation continues, and the fifth plaintiff's complaint will likely lead to further questioning. Tsew the Kid's career remains active, but the case casts a shadow over his public image. The back-and-forth between his private admission of 'betrayal' and his public denials will be central as the judicial process unfolds.