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IMF Head Arrested At JFK, Accused Of Sexual Attack On Hotel Maid
By
Jen Chung
Published May 14, 2011
Modified May 14, 2011
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By
Jen Chung
Published May 14, 2011
Modified May 14, 2011
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Dominique Strauss-Kahn, the head of the International Monetary Fund, was taken off an Air France plane about to leave JFK Airport and arrested for allegedly attacking a hotel maid at the Sofitel in Times Square. Sources tell the Daily News and NY Post that earlier in the day, Strauss-Kahn allegedly emerged from a bathroom naked, crept up on the maid and forced her to perform oral sex on him.
The maid somehow left the room—the News said she fled while the Post says she was allowed to leave—and Strauss-Kahn, a French politician, continued his plans and headed to JFK for his flight to Paris. The plane was 10 minutes from takeoff when Port Authority police officers took Strauss-Kahn from the first class cabin and turned over to NYPD.
Strauss-Kahn, 62, is a member of the Socialist Party and has been eyed to challenge President Nicolas Sarkozy in the 2012 election. His nickname is "The Great Seducer" and the Guardian reports, "Rumours of dangerous liaisons and sexual conquests have had little effect on Strauss-Kahn's chances of occupying the highest office in France, but last night's arrest may alter his future ambitions. Strauss-Kahn was expected to throw his hat into the election ring within weeks. He has been fighting off a very French furore over assertions his tastes are too luxurious to lay claim to the political left."
Earlier today, before news of his arrest, a Socialist politician said, "There is now a totally structured and orchestrated campaign, which has already been announced by Mr. Sarkozy and his closest allies, to attack the character of Strauss-Kahn."
The case is being investigated by the Special Victims Unit; charges against Strauss-Kahn are pending.
Tagged
dominique strauss-kahn
imf
jfk airport
nicolas sarkozy
sexual attack
sofitel
Times Square
Jen Chung
Jen Chung is a former WNYC and Gothamist editor.
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Gothamist is funded by sponsors and member donations
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