"You had to smile, even in the middle of an attack": the release of a book on a potential #MeToo Miss France sparks controversy

"I, Miss France, was a victim of rape during my year." In the book Miss France, from dream to reality, written by Hubert Guérin, a history and geography teacher and former assistant to Geneviève de Fontenay, eight quotes over ten lines report sexist and sexual violence suffered by "several former Miss France or regional elected officials," without naming them or mentioning any years.

The reported facts are serious and potentially still reprehensible for some. "Elected Miss France, I was raped a few hours later : in my room, I was pushed against the bed, called names, and my dress was torn." Or again: "The day after my crowning, I was forced to perform fellatio." The last one sums up the pressure exerted on the Miss France: "You had to smile, even in the middle of an assault."

These attacks – touching behind the scenes or during a photo shoot – and reported rapes would have taken place without Geneviève de Fontenay (director until 2010 ,