 Hallyday always denied the allegations |
A rape case against French rock icon Johnny Hallyday has been formally dropped by magistrates in France. The 62-year-old singer had always denied he raped hostess Marie-Christian Vo onboard his yacht in Cannes in 2001.
It ends nearly two years of investigations after Ms Vo made the complaint in March 2004.
Hallyday is one of France's biggest stars, and is credited with introducing it to rock and roll with versions of songs such as Let's Twist Again.
In a career spanning four decades, he has been dubbed the French Elvis Presley. But he has struggled to find success outside France.
Fraud investigation
Ms Vo, 36, was placed under investigation for fraud after admitting she had asked two doctors to backdate two medical certificates to support her accusation.
The investigation into the allegation of rape against Hallyday was finalised last week, with no charges being brought against the singer due to lack of evidence.
However, the prosecutor's decision needed to be formally confirmed by the investigating magistrate.
It was recently revealed Hallyday, whose father was Belgian, has launched a bid to become a Belgian citizen after lodging a naturalisation application in November last year.
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