French TV personality faces preliminary charge of rape

Former television journalist Patrick Poivre d’Arvor has been handed a preliminary charge of rape by a person abusing his authority (Christophe Ena/AP)

One of France’s most famous TV presenters has been handed a preliminary charge of rape and abusing his authority as police investigate complaints by about 20 women who have accused him of sexual misconduct over decades.

Patrick Poivre d’Arvor denies wrongdoing, and has sued 16 of his accusers.