French officials have launched an investigation into former President Valéry Giscard d’Estaing for allegedly harassing a German journalist.

German reporter Ann-Kathrin Stracke says the former leader touched her buttocks repeatedly during a 2018 interview.

Ms Stracke said the global MeToo movement, which has highlighted sexual harassment and assault against women, inspired her to come forward.

The 94-year-old has denied the charge.

An emailed statement from Mr Giscard d’Estaing’s lawyer reported in the New York Times said he did not remember the incident, was not aware of any complaint, and that he was considering legal action after the “particularly undignified and offensive media attack”.

Ms Stracke filed a report in France about the incident in March.

The German reporter said she decided to tell her story because “I think that people should know that a former French president harassed me sexually”.

She has also said the MeToo movement “showed me how important it is to talk about these matters in the open”.

French newspaper Le Monde and German paper Sueddeutsche Zeitung first reported the allegations last week.

Ms Stracke, now 37, travelled to Paris in December 2018 to interview Mr Giscard D’Estaing for German public broadcaster WDR.

After speaking to the former leader the reporter said she asked for a photo with her and the team.

He allegedly put his arm around her waist before moving it down to her buttocks. She said she was unable to push his hand away.