Mother in Bobigny called “psychobobo” – investigation launched

Bobigny – 22.06.2026: A ruling by the Bobigny court has sparked a wave of outrage. In the case of a mother who had reported sexual abuse of her seven-year-old son, the written reasoning of the judgment referred to her as “psychobobo.” This disparaging assessment triggered harsh criticism, including from French Justice Minister Gérald Darmanin. He condemned the incident as “extremely serious and unethical” and ordered an investigation to propose any disciplinary measures to the Conseil Supérieur de la Magistrature (Superior Council of the Judiciary, CSM).

The mother, a psychologist herself, had put her son into therapy after the child reported sexual abuse by his babysitter. Despite the babysitter’s acquittal because the child’s interrogation was deemed not sufficiently specific, the judges credited the minor’s testimony. However, in the written reasoning of the judgment the mother was criticized: she had allegedly “exaggerated” and led her son into a “delirium of victimization of sexual violence.”

This wording provoked particular indignation. The family’s lawyer reported that he received the reasoning only eight months after the trial and was shocked by the “absurd and almost offensive tone.” He called such expressions “entirely unimaginable” and requested the sentence be reviewed.

The president of the Bobigny court, Anne Auclair-Rabinovitch, was likewise disturbed by the facts. She called the episode “unbearable” and announced the initiation of disciplinary and organizational measures against the person or persons responsible. The judicial authority thus intends to ensure that such ethically questionable statements are not tolerated in case law.

Justice Minister Darmanin emphasized that plaintiffs, civil parties and in particular victims must receive full respect from the justice system. The ongoing investigation aims to clarify matters and help maintain public trust in the integrity of justice. Results are expected as early as next Monday.

The case has sparked a broad debate about the treatment of sexual violence victims and the responsibility of the judiciary to proceed with due care and respect in such delicate situations. Many voices are now calling for greater awareness among judges and better protection of victims, including against possible biases within the judiciary.

The scandal shows how complex and emotionally burdensome sexual abuse trials can be, and how important it is for justice to act professionally and respectfully so as not to compromise citizens’ trust in state institutions.