French rapper Bouba, already prosecuted for stalking, was again charged with the offense on Thursday, this time over facts involving the Congolese rapper Gims' partner, a source close to the case told AFP on Friday.
• Also read: French rapper Booba's concert at Place Bell canceled
• Also read: French rapper Buba charged with cyberstalking
When asked by AFP, the prosecution confirmed that Buba, whose real name is Eli Yaffa, is accused of online moral harassment resulting in incapacity for more than eight days, an act punishable by up to three years in prison and a fine of 45,000 euros (about $78,000).
The rapper is prohibited from contacting the complainant, Demdem. When asked, his lawyers Marie Rumyantseva and Gilles Verquin declined to comment.
Gims and Demdem, Gandhi Juna and Aja-Damba Dante of the Civil Registry Office filed the complaint in August 2024, condemning acts of cyber harassment against Demdem since 2018, which they attributed to Bubu.
The prosecution recalled that Gims and Demdem “reproached him for comments online, in addition to comments made during concerts. The applicant was declared incapacitated for 10 days.”
According to the prosecution, Buba was arrested on Wednesday and placed in police custody, the measure was lifted the next day in order for him to be presented to the investigating judge.
“It is gratifying that the justice system and police demonstrated speed and determination to arrest Mr. Jaffa and put an end to his actions,” responded plaintiffs’ lawyer Me David-Olivier Kaminsky.
“As of today, we note that Booba is the subject of several legal proceedings for the harassment of numerous victims. It is time for these toxic and harmful practices to stop!” added advice.
A figure in French-language rap since the 1990s, Bouba has been on a crusade for several years against high-profile influencers and their commercial practices portrayed as deceptive.
On October 2, 2023, Buba was already accused of aggravated online harassment against “celebrity” influencer Magali Berda, who also filed a complaint.
The rapper will also go on trial on December 3 for racially abusing a journalist and an essayist, as well as aggravated cyberstalking against the former.
