Former Lyon Catholic school director accused of sexual assault

Jean-Bernard Plessy, the former director of the Catholic Institution des Chartreux in Lyon, faces allegations of rape and aggravated sexual assault. An 18-year-old student filed a formal complaint on September 10, 2026, alleging that the abuse occurred over several months and continued until July 2026. The victim's lawyer, Nadia Debbache, emphasized that the crimes were aggravated by the authority Plessy held over the student and her personal vulnerability. She criticized the Archdiocese of Lyon for using the term ‘relation’ to describe the situation, arguing it minimizes the gravity of the alleged violence.

The Archdiocese of Lyon stated it had been informed in June 2026 regarding a relationship between the priest and an adult student under his authority. Following this, Archbishop Olivier de Germay removed Plessy from his leadership position on September 2, though Plessy had already stepped down in July, citing physical and mental exhaustion. The Church has implemented precautionary measures, including prohibiting Plessy from contacting the student or performing pastoral duties.

Plessy’s lawyer, Thibault Ginoux, stated that his client firmly contests the accusations and intends to demonstrate his innocence to investigators. A criminal investigation has been opened by the Lyon prosecutor's office, and a separate canonical proceeding is also underway within the Church.