Jean-Marc Morandini’s Sexual Harassment Conviction Finalized; Bordeaux’s Iboat Nightclub Faces Closure After Assault Incident

Two significant legal developments related to sexual harassment and sexual assault have emerged in France as of January 27, 2026.

Firstly, Jean-Marc Morandini, a television animator, has decided to withdraw his appeal against his conviction for sexual harassment, making his sentence final. The conviction arises from allegations that Morandini encouraged young actors aged between 19 and 26 to appear nude during auditions for the 2015 web series "Les Faucons." These auditions occurred between June and September 2015 and have raised serious concerns about ethical casting practices in the industry.

In a separate case, the iconic Iboat nightclub in Bordeaux was ordered to close for two months following a sexual assault incident on the night of November 15-16, 2025. During celebrations after a rugby match between France and Fiji, two Fijian rugby players, reportedly heavily intoxicated, sexually assaulted a woman outside the nightclub. The Gironde prefecture mandated the closure as an administrative sanction. However, the nightclub’s management condemns the assault and insists they acted promptly by identifying and expelling the alleged assailants. They argue that the closure constitutes collective punishment that unfairly penalizes the establishment, threatening its financial viability and cultural contribution, particularly given ongoing struggles since 2024.

In response, Iboat has filed an appeal with the Conseil d’État, contesting the closure order on grounds that it fails to effectively address the assault’s root causes or adequately protect public safety.

These cases highlight ongoing challenges in combating sexual misconduct across different sectors in France, from the entertainment industry to nightlife venues, with legal actors grappling with appropriate disciplinary measures and broader societal implications.