“Of these 26 victims, 13 had not previously appeared in any case,” she said.
French authorities have previously looked into other French figures in the modelling industry.
Magistrates previously dropped an investigation into sexual assault and rape claims against Gerald Marie, the former European head of the Elite modelling agency now in his mid-70s, as the alleged abuse was beyond the statute of limitations.
Several women have urged new investigations targeting him since the release of the latest Epstein files.
Marie last month denied any wrongdoing, saying in an interview with the RTL broadcaster: “I have never raped anyone.”
“I’ve always behaved consistently and properly with women. I love women. I can’t see myself forcing one,” he added.
He said he only met Epstein once.
French police in 2020 also arrested modelling agent Jean-Luc Brunel after allegations he procured women for the US billionaire. He was found dead in prison in 2022.
