Crans-Montana Bar Owner Jacques Moretti Arrested for Domestic Violence

Jacques Moretti is a well-known bar owner in Crans-Montana, Switzerland. His name first became widely recognized after a devastating fire at his establishment, Le Constellation, on New Year's Eve. That blaze killed 41 people and brought intense scrutiny to Moretti and his business dealings, according to the BBC and AFP.

In the months since the tragedy, Moretti and his wife Jessica, who co-owns the bar, have remained under investigation for their roles in the fire. Their private life, however, took a dramatic turn this August when police were called to their home after an alleged violent incident.

On the night between August 11 and 12, 2026, Jacques Moretti reportedly assaulted his wife Jessica at their home in Valais, Switzerland. According to TGcom24 and La Repubblica, Jessica required hospitalization due to the severity of her injuries. Lawyers for both sides have confirmed the basic facts of the incident.

Swiss police arrested Moretti soon after. By August 23, multiple outlets including AFP, Franceinfo, and DIE WELT reported that Moretti was in provisional detention, facing charges of domestic violence. The arrest immediately drew renewed attention due to his high profile and the tragic history of the bar fire.

On August 24, La Repubblica and ANSA.it reported that Jessica had been discharged from the hospital. Meanwhile, Moretti remained in custody. He was now facing a possible prison sentence of three to five years if convicted of the charges. Fanpage added that Moretti's legal troubles extend beyond this incident, noting a previous conviction from 2008 for unrelated crimes.

Throughout, authorities have emphasized the serious nature of the allegations and cited a high risk of flight as a reason for keeping Moretti in detention.

As of August 24, Jacques Moretti remains in preventive detention. He faces charges of domestic violence, with the possibility of additional charges such as attempted murder, according to La Repubblica. The investigation into both the recent assault and the earlier fire at Le Constellation continues.

Jessica Moretti has been released from the hospital and is recovering. Both she and Jacques remain under legal scrutiny regarding the New Year's Eve tragedy. The case has shocked the local community and is being closely watched in Switzerland and beyond.

The next steps will likely involve formal charges against Jacques Moretti and potential court proceedings. Investigators are still gathering evidence related to both the domestic violence allegations and the deadly fire. The risk of flight remains a concern for authorities, which may affect decisions about Moretti's detention status.