Overview

• Hélène Perlant, daughter of Prime Minister François Bayrou, has disclosed being physically assaulted by Father Lartiguet at Notre-Dame de Bétharram school during a summer camp in the 1980s.
• Perlant stated she remained silent for 30 years, partly to shield her father from political repercussions, and claims he was unaware of her victimization.
• François Bayrou denies prior knowledge of widespread abuse at the school, despite allegations from a former teacher that she warned him and his wife, who taught at the school, about the violence.
• State prosecutors are investigating Bayrou for failing to report abuse, while a parliamentary inquiry will question him on May 14 regarding his alleged inaction during his tenure as education minister.
• An independent inquiry has revealed tens of thousands of French children were abused by Catholic priests, with 200 complaints filed concerning Bétharram, but most cases are barred by the statute of limitations.