3 Theories About the Strauss-Kahn Incident

The criminal case against Dominique Strauss-Kahn sure looks like it’s imploding, but we still don’t really know what happened in Room 2806. Physical evidence shows there was a sexual encounter, but it doesn't reveal which kind. The New York Times breaks down the possibilities:

• A forced encounter: Prosecutors still say there’s forensic evidence to support the housekeeper’s accusations of forced oral sex. Her lawyer says that includes evidence she spit Strauss-Kahn’s semen onto the floor and wall, and injuries to his client, including bruising in the vaginal area where she says he grabbed her.

• A consensual act: Strauss-Kahn however, suffered no physical injuries, which his lawyers will argue indicates there wasn’t a struggle. They’ll also point out that the maid is physically larger than Strauss-Kahn, and stayed in the room as Strauss-Kahn got dressed and left.
• Something in between: It’s possible the encounter began consensually, but turned non-consensual. Or, the defense will hint, it may have been a setup. A day after the incident, the housekeeper called a man in an Arizona jail and said, according to one translation, “Don’t worry, this guy has a lot of money. I know what I’m doing."

The Times also breaks down the timeline revealed by card-key data: The maid entered Strauss-Kahn's room at 12:06pm; at 12:26, she entered a nearby room that she had already cleaned that day. Within the same minute, she returned to room 2806. (More Dominique Strauss Kahn stories.)