A Columbia University graduate student has been accused of sexually assaulting a female classmate inside their shared building. According to prosecutors in Manhattan criminal court, Francois Barre, a 30-year-old student from France, allegedly groped and fondled the 19-year-old victim after offering to help her carry groceries to her apartment. Instead of assisting with groceries, Barre followed the victim inside, where he made unwanted advances, kissed her forcefully, and touched her inappropriately, making it difficult for her to escape.
Despite the victim’s attempts to push him away, Barre reportedly continued his assault, telling her, “I know you want this. You taste good.” The incident was reported to Columbia University Safety, leading to Barre’s arrest on charges of sexual assault and forcible touching.
During his arraignment, Barre’s defense attorney mentioned that he had recently graduated with a Masters degree in international relations from Columbia and would be moving out of the building soon. The prosecution requested an order of protection and cash bail, while Barre’s attorney requested supervised release, stating that he had surrendered his French passport.
The judge granted supervised release but ordered Barre to have no contact with the victim, except for incidental encounters at the building for the purpose of moving out. Barre, visibly emotional, declined to comment on the situation outside the courtroom.
