French rock star quizzed over rape claim

France’s favourite rock star, accused of raping a hostess aboard his yacht, went before two investigating judges, but only as a witness.

Johnny Hallyday has not been placed under formal investigation in the case and “absolutely contests” the accusation by Marie-Christine Vo, his lawyers said yesterday.

Hallyday turned 60 this year but remains an idol to young and old in France. The macho-looking star who sings in both French and English, sometimes borrowing the Elvis Presley style, performed in July before President Jacques Chirac.

Hallyday answered questions for more than three hours from two investigating judges in Nice.

“Johnny Hallyday answered all questions,” said his lawyer Gilles-Jean Portejoie. He is “calm and combative”.

Ms Vo filed an action in April 2002 and the Nice prosecutor’s office opened an investigation “against X” this March.

Hallyday, in turn, filed two suits for “calumnious denunciation” and for “attempt to blackmail and extort funds”.

The singer’s lawyers have in the past alleged that Ms Vo at one point said she would not file a suit if Hallyday gave her €250,000.