Dominique Strauss-Kahn on Wednesday apologised if he hurt a former sex worker during an orgy and insisted that he had no idea the women at the parties he is accused of helping to organise were being paid to attend.
Giving evidence for a second day at his trial in Lille on charges of “aggravated pimping”, the former head of the International Monetary Fund said he assumed the women at the parties were there by choice, adding it can be “difficult to know” if women are really enjoying themselves.
His admission followed evidence from a former prostitute known as Jade, who said Mr Strauss-Kahn performed anal sex on her without permission, which she said was a sign that he “must have known” that she was being paid to be there.