That statement itself is well established as 'the standard' used by perpetrators, and their attorneys push it, when they know fully well the evidence is overwhelming and difficult if not impossible to defend... other than to "blame the victim".
That is classic stuff seen and heard, time and again, by men who have a 'history' of sexual abuse. It's almost a written script...some are more familiar with than others...as I'm sure you know.
Your observations are very true. This type of perp has a classic pattern and usually follows the same MO over many years.
From what I am hearing , and reading in the French press, this is going to get quite shocking on the scope of it, the length of time, the number of women, etc. Also the level of depravity and decadence.