Moroccan pop-star Saad Lamjarred has denied sexually assaulting a woman in New York in 2010. His response, made on Friday at a packed press conference in Morocco's Mawazine Festival, was due in part to a New York Daily News article (published on May 19) stating a law suit has been filed at the Brooklyn Supreme Court earlier this month against the 31-year-old.
According to the article, Lamjarred was in New York on a tourist visa when the alleged assault took place on February 7, 2010. After the Brooklyn resident filed a report with the police, Lamjarred was reportedly arrested, indicted and fled the US after making bail.
Citing his fugitive status, the woman - whose name has been withheld due to the nature of the crime - has requested monetary compensation.
“This will be the one and only time I will make a comment about this situation,” Lamjarred said before his concert.
“This is an old story and the reason behind this is the fact I am have been blessed with fame. A lot of big stars have faced similar situations. These accusations that have been made towards me are false. I have a lawyer who is following all aspects of this situation.”
sasaeed@thenational.ae
For a full interview with the singer that we published in January click here