Social media has been buzzing with claims about Paris Saint-Germain defender Achraf Hakimi facing rape allegations, with some posts suggesting the accusations are fabricated. Our fact-check reveals the reality is more nuanced.
The Claim
Various social media posts have characterized the rape allegations against Hakimi as “false” or suggested they lack merit, particularly following news that French prosecutors are seeking to bring him to trial.
The Facts
What Actually Happened:
The case dates back to February 25, 2023, when a 24-year-old woman reported to French police that Hakimi had raped her at his home in Boulogne-Billancourt, a Paris suburb. According to police sources, the woman alleged she had met Hakimi on Instagram in January 2023 and that he had paid for her taxi to his residence while his family was away.
The Legal Process:
In March 2023, French prosecutors filed preliminary charges against Hakimi for rape, despite the alleged victim choosing not to press formal charges herself.
Under French law, prosecutors can pursue cases independently when they believe sufficient evidence exists.
On August 1, 2025, the Nanterre prosecutor’s office formally requested that an investigating judge refer the case to criminal court for trial. This represents a significant escalation after more than two years of investigation.
Current Status:
The case now awaits a decision from the investigating magistrate on whether to approve the prosecution’s request for trial.
If convicted, Hakimi could face up to 15 years in prison under French law.
Hakimi’s lawyer, Fanny Colin, has called the prosecution’s request “incomprehensible and senseless” and indicated they would pursue all available appeals.
The alleged victim’s lawyer, Rachel-Flore Pardo, expressed relief at the prosecutor’s decision.
Our Assessment
Misleading: Claims that these are definitively “false allegations” are not supported by available evidence.
The case has proceeded through legitimate legal channels with formal charges and a two-year investigation by French authorities.
However: The allegations remain unproven in court, and Hakimi maintains his innocence. The legal principle of presumption of innocence applies.
What the Evidence Shows
Multiple credible news sources, including Al Jazeera, Associated Press, and ESPN, have reported consistent details about the case based on official sources.
The timeline and facts align across independent reporting.
The prosecution’s decision to seek trial after extensive investigation suggests authorities believe they have sufficient evidence to warrant criminal proceedings, though this does not constitute proof of guilt.
This case highlights the complexity of sexual assault allegations in high-profile cases.
The French legal system’s approach of allowing prosecutors to pursue cases even without formal victim complaints reflects efforts to address underreporting of sexual crimes.
Bottom Line
While social media speculation continues, the Hakimi case represents a genuine legal proceeding that has followed proper judicial procedures over more than two years.
Claims that the allegations are fabricated lack factual support, though the accused maintains innocence and deserves due process.
The public should avoid prejudging the outcome and allow the legal system to determine the facts through proper proceedings.
The upcoming decision by the investigating magistrate will be crucial in determining whether this case proceeds to trial.
Verdict: Mixed – Claims of “false allegations” are unsupported by evidence, but the allegations themselves remain legally unproven.
The case appears to be a legitimate legal matter proceeding through appropriate channels.
This fact-check was conducted using official court documents, statements from legal representatives, and reporting from established news organizations. The case remains ongoing, and this analysis reflects information available as of August 3, 2025.
