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DSK Accuser Speaks On Camera: "I Never Want To Be In Public, But I Have No Choice"
By
Christopher Robbins
Published Jul 25, 2011
Modified Jul 25, 2011
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By
Christopher Robbins
Published Jul 25, 2011
Modified Jul 25, 2011
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After remaining anonymous (except in the French press) for nearly two months, the former hotel maid accusing Dominique Strauss-Kahn of sexual assault gave a televised interview, just released today, to ABC news. In many ways it paralleled the 3-hour interview she recently granted with Newsweek; speaking of the incident at the Sofitel in May, 32-year-old Nafissatou Diallo uses forceful hand gestures to describe Strauss-Kahn's alleged behavior, and offers a vivid account of her fear in the face of her attacker.
As noted in the Newsweek article, there are times during the interview, especially when she discusses fearing for her life after learning of Strauss-Kahn's identity, that her tears seem forced. But her account of the alleged assault itself is consistent and strong.
Christopher Dickey, one of the two Newsweek reporters who wrote the account of their time with Diallo, tells ABC that "on balance I found her a convincing witness." Dickey believes that despite her apparent size advantage over Strauss-Kahn, the account makes sense in the context that she was fearful of losing her job and thus the ability to support her 15-year-old child. "If she loses that job everything could collapse," Dickey says, "As a point of coercion, fear of losing her job, I think the whole incident turns on that."
Most legal experts agree that Diallo's campaign to publicly detail her account of the incident is unprecedented and risky. Sanford Rubenstein, the Brooklyn attorney who represented Abner Louima among other high-profile clients, tells the AP, "There's an upside that perhaps it will encourage the prosecutors to move forward with their case. On the other hand, there's the risk that whatever she says can be used against her in a civil or criminal case, especially with respect to any inconsistencies." Former Manhattan assistant DA Elizabeth Crotty agrees: "The more that's out there, the more you're susceptible on cross-examination."
But given the rumors that Diallo was a "hooker" who worked the Sofitel that were initially published by the New York Post, Diallo states in the interview that she's not a prostitute, and that she's standing up for herself: "I never want to be in public, but I have no choice. God is my witness I'm telling the truth." Her attorneys' are currently suing the Post for libel, and their anonymous sources have come under fire as evidence has suggested their information may not have been entirely accurate.
A representative for the Manhattan DA's office said told the AP that "its investigation, not external factors, will determine the outcome." More of ABC's interview with Diallo will be released tomorrow.
Tagged
cy vance
dominique strauss-kahn
dsk
manhattan da's office
rape
sexual assault
sofitel
strauss-kahn affair
Christopher Robbins
Christopher Robbins is a New York City reporter covering transportation, affordable housing, local politics, and criminal justice. His work has also appeared in New York Magazine, The Village Voice and The New York Times. Chris is a graduate of Patrick Henry High School in Roanoke, Virginia, and enjoys biking to Fort Tilden in the summertime.
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Gothamist is funded by sponsors and member donations
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