Since accusations of rape and sexual assault against her former coach Pierre Bouteyre became known, Fiona Ferro has made her first public statement.
In response to Bouteyre's position on her allegations, the French tennis player underlined that the sexual exploitation that occurred while she was still a minor, between 2012 and 2015, was not voluntary.
"I take note of Pierre Bouteyre’s position on my accusation of acts of rape and sexual assault by a person in authority. I confirm that I did not consent and that the rapes and sexual assaults were committed by moral constraint according to article 222-24 of the Penal Code."
Ferro also stated that she was putting her trust in her nation's legal system in the hopes that the appropriate course of action would be taken, sticking firmly by her initial charges. She also expressed gratitude to those who had stood by her during the hardship.
"I place all my trust in the justice system of my country and confirm that I do not want to make any other declaration on the criminal investigation procedure. Thank you very much to all those who show me their support in this difficult but necessary step"