Swiss Nightclub Owners Confronted by Victim's Family Over Deadly Fire
Published February 12, 2026 2:22pm | Updated February 12, 2026 2:22pm
The owners of the Swiss nightclub where 41 people perished in a New Year's fire were labeled 'murderers' and 'monsters' by grieving families during a tense court appearance today. Jacques Moretti, 49, and his wife Jessica Moretti, 40, who face potential prison time for the inferno at the Constellation club in the ski resort of Crans-Montana, were met with a hostile crowd as they arrived at the courthouse in Sion.
Emotional Outburst in Court
One relative shouted, 'You killed my son. You killed my brother. Where is my son? You are monsters. How can you eat and sleep?' Jacques Moretti, who has prior prison stints in Switzerland and France, retorted, 'If we have to pay, we will pay. We're not a mafia, we're workers.' He and his ashen-faced wife, visibly frightened and in tears, struggled to escape the angry gathering.
Both French nationals, currently free on bail, have been under investigation since the fire. They attribute the blaze to their employees, specifically pointing to waitress Cyane Panine, 24, who died in the incident. According to the Morettis, Panine was performing a stunt with champagne bottles adorned with lit sparklers while wearing a promotional crash helmet, unaware that the pyrotechnics ignited highly flammable foam on the basement ceiling.
Blame and Denials
Jacques Moretti told the inquiry that the stunt was 'Cyane's show,' stating, 'I didn't forbid her from doing that. I didn't make her pay attention to safety instructions. We didn't see the danger. Cyane liked doing that – it was a show, she liked to be part of the show.' However, Cyane's family and survivors vehemently dispute this, alleging that Jessica Moretti, as manager that night, instructed Panine to perform the stunt using a helmet provided by Dom Perignon champagne.
The Morettis also accused a staff member of locking an escape door in the basement, where Panine and others were found dying from smoke inhalation after the door was forced open. Additionally, video evidence reportedly shows Jessica Moretti escaping with the cash register while ignoring victims, a claim she denies. She responded, 'I accept what's being said about us, even if it's false. It's nothing compared to what the families are going through. We worked hard and tirelessly. We always did what was asked of us.'
Legal Charges and Restrictions
When questioned about underage patrons, including a 14-year-old boy who died, Jessica Moretti suggested fake IDs or lapses in security might have been factors. The couple faces trial for manslaughter by negligence, causing injury by negligence, and causing arson by negligence related to the 41 deaths and severe injuries to 115 others. Originating from Corsica, they deny any wrongdoing but are considered flight risks by Swiss authorities.
They are under strict conditions: wearing electronic tags, having passports confiscated, and reporting to police every three days, though allowed to stay home to care for their two children. The investigation into the fire continues as the community seeks justice for the tragic loss.
