French rapper Naps to face trial for alleged rape

French rapper Naps will face trial for allegedly raping a woman in her sleep in 2021, an investigating magistrate has ruled.

The rapper, whose real name is Nabil Boukhobza, contests the charges "as firmly as possible," according to his lawyer, Nabil Boudi.

"We have appealed the order for a trial in Paris, which was filed on May 15," Boudi told AFP on Wednesday.

Meanwhile, the allegations against Naps stem from a criminal complaint filed by a young woman in October 2021. She claimed that she and friends had been out with the rapper at a bar in the capital, and later moved to a hotel room where his friends gradually left. The woman alleged that she fell asleep and was later woken up by a sexual act she did not consent to.

"The young woman had fallen asleep when one of them says she was woken up by a sexual act she did not consent to," prosecutors said.

Furthermore, Naps was charged later that month for alleged rape and placed under judicial observation. Prosecutors took until February this year to request a trial, which has now been granted.

Additionally, Naps rose to fame in 2021 with the release of his hit track La kiffance, which has racked up over 186 million views on YouTube. Also, he has collaborated with other major French artists, including global star Maitre Gims.

Although, the trial date has not been set, but Naps' legal team is preparing to defend him against the allegations.

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