Journalist in France faces suspension due to allegations of working in cahoots with members of the Socialist party.
In a series of events that have shaken the French media landscape, a heated exchange between Rachida Dati, a candidate for the mayoralty of Paris, and two prominent journalists has led to suspensions, investigations, and accusations of collusion and harassment.
The controversy began with a video recording published by the far-right media outlet L'Incorrect, dating back to July 7. The video shows Thomas Legrand, a columnist for France Inter and an editorial writer for Libération, along with Patrick Cohen, a columnist for France Inter and France Télévisions, both public service media, engaged in a conversation with Luc Broussy and Pierre Jouvet in a Paris café.
The video has sparked a storm of controversy, with Rachida Dati, who is running for Les Républicains (LR) in the Paris election in March 2026, publishing the video and accusing the journalists of trying to eliminate her from the race. L'Incorrect has further alleged that the journalists have been attacking Rachida Dati.
In response to the accusations, France Inter has temporarily suspended its columnist Thomas Legrand, and the journalists have announced they will file a complaint. Thomas Legrand has defended himself, stating that his job is to combat the lies told by Rachida Dati and her attitude towards the press. However, he has also admitted to making a controversial statement in the video, which was cut off abruptly and lacked context.
The tension between Rachida Dati and Patrick Cohen escalated further in June, when Dati threatened to launch an investigation against Cohen for accusations of harassment reported in Mediapart. Cohen has been questioned about his run-ins with the law and accusations against him, including illegal lobbying at the European Parliament, by Dati on France 5.
Dati has called for action to be taken against the two columnists, accusing them of collusion with leaders of the Socialist Party. The journalists have not yet responded to these allegations publicly.
As the situation unfolds, the French media landscape continues to be shaken by the unfolding events, with the future roles of Thomas Legrand and Patrick Cohen in the French media uncertain. The controversy has also raised questions about the relationship between politicians and the media, and the role of far-right media outlets in shaping public opinion.
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