Second victory for judo trainer Alain Schmitt on the marbled tatami of justice.

Accused of domestic violence by his partner Margaux Pinot, whom he was coaching, following an altercation at Blanc-Mesnil in November 2021, he was released by the Paris Court of Appeal after a similar judgment from the Bobigny Criminal Court in April.

The 28-year-old Olympic champion claims to have received numerous blows to the face, photos of her bruises in support, by her 38-year-old ex-companion, which the latter denies.

The first release of Alain Schmitt had also aroused indignation in French judo and sounded the kickoff of a media battle between the athletes.

It was the Bobigny prosecutor's office who appealed this decision.

Conflicting versions

Linked on the tatami by a coach-athlete relationship at the Étoile Sportive du Blanc-Mesnil club, Alain Schmitt and Margaux Pinot have had a confidential love affair since 2017.

This is how the two athletes maintain two contradictory versions of the Blanc-Mesnil altercation, which they did not change during the two trials.

While he must fly to Israel a few hours later to take the post of coach of the women's national team, the technician argues in the middle of the night with Margaux Pinot.

He describes a woman mad with rage and jealousy who throws herself on him then a fight like a "tornado", based on judo holds.

The duo violently bump into walls and objects in the apartment, according to their account.

He denies having dealt the slightest blow to his companion.

The scene played out very differently, according to Margaux Pinot, who recounts a surge of violence from her then coach, hair pulled, a shower of blows and a strangulation attempt.

Many bruises were observed the following days on the two protagonists.

It is unclear at this time whether this court case will experience a third episode.

Justice

Judo: Tried for domestic violence, Alain Schmitt tears himself apart again at the helm with his ex-girlfriend Margaux Pinot

Sport

Judo: “No evidence of intentional violence” on Margaux Pinot… Why Alain Schmitt was released

  • Justice

  • Judo

  • Violence against women

  • Domestic violence