Jacques and Jessica Moretti, who face charges of homicide by negligence, bodily harm by negligence, and negligence-related arson in the Constellation bar tragedy, are seeking to reopen two other businesses. Their legal counsel, the Hayat and Meier firm, announced Thursday that the couple intends to resume operations at Le Senso in Crans-Montana and the Vieux-Chalet in Lens to prevent the bankruptcy of their companies and preserve assets for potential victim compensation.
Did You Know? The Constellation bar fire, which occurred on New Year’s night, resulted in 41 deaths and 115 injuries, leading to ongoing legal proceedings involving 14 defendants.
Why the Morettis want to reopen these businesses
According to the Hayat and Meier firm, all assets belonging to the couple are currently sequestered. The lawyers argue that if these businesses remain closed, the companies will likely face bankruptcy. This would result in the loss of assets that could otherwise be used to provide financial compensation to the victims of the tragedy.
To facilitate this, the couple plans to place the operations of Le Senso and the Vieux-Chalet under the management of third parties who will pay rent. The Morettis have committed to donating all proceeds from these arrangements to an association that supports the victims of the Constellation fire.
What happens next in the legal process
The reopening of the two establishments is not yet finalized. The Hayat and Meier firm stated that the couple has initiated the necessary administrative steps to lift the current provisional suspension on the businesses. These applications are currently being reviewed by the relevant authorities, who must conduct safety and regulatory checks before any authorization can be granted.
Expert Insight: The attempt to resume business activities while facing serious criminal charges creates a complex intersection of financial preservation and public perception. While the defense frames this as a “prolonged solidarity” effort to ensure funds are available for victims, the move has already generated significant negative public response, highlighting the sensitive nature of the defendants’ actions during an active judicial investigation.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the Morettis accused of?
They are charged with homicide by negligence, bodily harm by negligence, and negligence-related arson in connection with the fire at the Constellation bar.
Where are the two establishments they wish to reopen?
The businesses are Le Senso, located in Crans-Montana, and the Vieux-Chalet, located in Lens.
What will happen to the money earned from these businesses?
According to their legal team, the Morettis have committed to donating all profits from the operation of these two establishments to an association dedicated to helping the victims of the Constellation fire.
How do you believe the local community will react to the potential reopening of these venues while the investigation remains ongoing?