Pippa Middleton's Father-In-Law David Matthews Accused Of Raping A Minor, Arrested In France
David Matthews, known to be Pippa Middleton's father-in-law, is formally being investigated for allegedly raping a female minor in 1998 and 1999.
Matthews is the father of Middleton's husband, James, and British reality television star Spencer.
The Arrest And Investigation
The rape allegedly took place in 1998 and 1999. He was charged with "rape of a minor by a person with authority over his victim" with incidents in both Paris and St. Barths, according to AFP as per Perez Hilton.
An alleged witness reportedly came forward in 2017.
"I confirm that David M was placed in police custody on 27 March at the Brigade for the Protection of Minors," a judicial official in Paris tells Telegraph. "Following his arrest, the Paris public prosecutor's office opened a judicial investigation, overlooked by an examining magistrate."
Matthews, 74, was arrested at the Orly Airport in Paris on Tuesday, according to AFP, People reports.
The former racing driver was released on bail after questioning wrapped, but he is still under judicial control with conditions or limitations on his release. He is not required to remain in France during the investigation.
French law states that the status of formal investigation means there is "serious or consistent evidence" of the suspect's involvement in the alleged crime. According to Hollywood Life, this marks a six-month period where officials can gather more information and evidence to determine whether Matthews will be brought to court or not.
"The investigations will now continue as a judicial investigation and will be led by an investigating judge," the judicial official concludes.
The allegations are being investigated by the Minor Protection Brigade.
Matthews Denies The Claims
A spokesman for Matthews addressed the allegations on the high-profile hotelier, denying it "unequivocally."
"David Matthews categorically denies the allegation and unequivocally contests the untrue and scandalous accusation," the rep states.
The son of a coal miner, Matthews is a self-made millionaire who went from being a mechanic to a successful racing driver and entrepreneur. He owns a number of luxury hotels, including Eden Roc Hotel in St. Barths, a celebrity favorite.
His son James, a financier, married Middleton in May 2017 in England. Among the star-studded attendees are senior members of the royal family, Prince William, his wife the Duchess of Cambridge Kate, Prince Harry, Prince George, and Princess Charlotte.
The sister of the Duchess of Cambridge has not yet commented on the issue. Kensington Palace, who represents the duchess, also has not spoken up.
