The legal representatives of the owners of a Swiss nightclub where a devastating fire on New Year’s Eve claimed 40 lives and left 116 people injured have spoken publicly for the first time, accusing critics of spreading misinformation and singling their clients out for blame.
Jacques and Jessica Moretti, the French owners of the basement bar Le Constellation in the ski resort of Crans-Montana, are currently under criminal investigation. Their lawyers told local media that the couple are emotionally shattered by the tragedy and firmly deny having known about any safety risks at the venue.
“There is a clear sense of public vindictiveness directed at them,” said Yaël Hayat, one of the three lawyers representing the couple.
Fire Investigation And Safety Concerns
Early investigative findings indicate that the blaze was triggered when sparklers attached to champagne bottles ignited soundproofing foam installed on the ceiling of the bar’s basement level.
Authorities have confirmed that the venue had not undergone any official safety inspection for five years prior to the fire.
The majority of those affected were young people, including eight victims under the age of 16. Many survivors remain in hospital, receiving treatment for serious burn injuries.
Media Scrutiny And Legal Response
Since the incident, extensive reporting on the Morettis, their business operations, and their personal histories has circulated in local media. This coverage has intensified public pressure as investigators continue to probe the causes of the fire and pursue potential criminal charges.
In an interview with Tribune de Genève, the lawyers said the couple were determined to “re-establish the truth” amid what they describe as widespread inaccuracies.
Hayat specifically denied claims that Jessica Moretti fled the burning bar with money from the till, calling such reports false. Speaking to BFMTV, she said:
“She absolutely did not rush away from the scene. She stayed to assist and comfort those who were injured.”
Responsibility Versus Criminal Liability
Patrick Michod, who represents Jacques Moretti, acknowledged the emotional weight carried by business owners after such a catastrophe but stressed the legal distinction at the heart of the case.
“When you run an establishment and something like this happens, you inevitably feel responsible,” he said. “But the key issue here is criminal responsibility, which is not the same as the personal guilt one may feel as an operator.”
Addressing concerns about the ceiling material, Michod said his client purchased the foam from a well-known construction supplier that did not inform him the product was flammable.
“He never intended to install a highly combustible material,” Michod said. “His aim was to install acoustic insulation.”
Victim’s Family Raises Safety Concerns
Lawyers acting for the family of Cyane Panine, a staff member at Le Constellation who died in the fire, have alleged that she received no safety training and was unaware of the danger posed by the ceiling material that eventually caught fire.
Hayat described Panine as a close friend of the Moretti family and reportedly showed journalists a postcard Panine had written to the couple, according to Tribune de Genève.
“I hope I’ll continue to grow alongside you and that we will spend many more New Year’s Eves together […] you are like my second family,” the message read.
Charges And Court Measures
Swiss prosecutors have accused the Morettis of manslaughter by negligence, causing bodily harm by negligence, and arson by negligence.
Last week, a court ordered Jessica Moretti to comply with a travel ban in place of pre-trial detention. She was required to surrender her passport and must check in with police daily. She has previously expressed remorse, describing the incident as an “unthinkable tragedy.”
Jacques Moretti remains in custody under an initial 90-day detention order. Prosecutors argue that both owners pose a potential flight risk and have requested a 400,000 Swiss franc bail (approximately $500,000 / £374,000), split equally between them, as a condition for release.
Michod confirmed that he has formally submitted a request seeking Jacques Moretti’s release from custody.
