French 'masseur to the stars' on trial for rape

-- A 47-year-old Frenchman described as a 'masseur to the stars' because he counted Tom Cruise, Sylvester Stallone and other celebrities among his clients went on trial Thursday for allegedly drugging and raping 13 young women.

Thierry Chichportich is accused of luring the victims, some of them aspiring models, to his French Riviera home where he assaulted them after first knocking them unconscious by putting powerful sedatives in food or drinks.

Part of the trial, which is being conducted in the city of Nice, is closed to the public, though reporters will be present.

Chichportich admits to having had sex with some of the women clients but claims it was consensual. He has called some 20 defence witnesses to testify on his behalf. --