PARIS - A French writer who says Dominique Strauss-Kahn tried to rape her wants to confront the former International Monetary Fund chief face to face.

Tristane Banon says that Strauss-Kahn attacked her during a 2003 interview. Strauss-Kahn calls the claim imaginary and has sued her for slander.

Banon said on RTL radio Thursday that she told police, "I would want him to face me and tell me ... that mine are imaginary facts."

She said that other women have contacted her to say they "experienced violence" by Strauss-Kahn. She would not reveal their identities or other details.

Strauss-Kahn was considered a top potential contender for France's upcoming presidential elections before his May arrest in New York on charges he tried to rape a hotel maid. Prosecutors later dropped the charges.