Woman who reported Jonatan Spang becomes suspect in case

One of the five women who reported comedian Jonatan Spang to police has herself been formally suspected in the case, DR reports. Spang is also formally suspected in the criminal investigation.

The woman is listed as an injured party in the case involving Spang, according to Ritzau. The information was confirmed by Julie Stage, Spang’s defence lawyer.

“I can confirm that one of the women who reported Jonatan Spang has been formally suspected of a number of offences in the case. In consideration of the police investigation, I cannot say what the suspicions concern,” Stage wrote to Ritzau.

Copenhagen Police would neither confirm nor deny that another person has been formally suspected in the case.

Spang was dismissed as programme host

The 48-year-old comedian was reported to police last year by five women over alleged sexual offences, rape, or physical or psychological violence.

The case gained wider attention in September last year, when it emerged that Spang had been dismissed as host of the DR programme Tæt på sandheden following allegations of abuse.

One alleged incident was said to have taken place in 2009 involving a 15-year-old girl. Spang was 31 at the time.

Spang wrote on Instagram that he should have acted more responsibly and should never have entered into a relationship with “such a young person”. After reports emerged that another woman had reported him to police, he said the allegations were stories he did not recognise and that he would not comment further before the police had investigated them.

By November last year, five women had reported Spang to police.

Unclear how woman responds to suspicions

According to Ritzau’s information, the woman who has been formally suspected did not report Spang for a sexual offence.

Spang does not wish to comment on the latest development, his lawyer said.

Ritzau contacted Mette Maria Lorentzen, who was appointed as the woman’s defence lawyer. Lorentzen neither confirmed nor denied that she represented the woman, saying: “I cannot comment on that case.”

It is therefore unclear how the woman responds to the suspicions. Ritzau has been unable to establish precisely what she is suspected of.

People who are formally suspected or charged are generally appointed a defence lawyer in criminal cases where imprisonment of more than 30 days is possible. An appointed lawyer is selected by the court to defend the person in the criminal case.

Spang’s lawyer won ruling over legal representation

Last year, all five women had the same legal counsel, Helle Hald. On 4 June, Copenhagen City Court ruled, according to Politiken, that they could not continue to share the same lawyer.

The ruling followed concerns raised by Stage that the women could influence one another or coordinate their statements.

Spang remains formally suspected in connection with the reports made by the five women. Stage declined to comment on whether the latest development could affect the suspicions against him.