It is a start of the program that was expected.
While the right-wing candidate Valérie Pécresse was the guest of Jean-Jacques Bourdin's new show this Tuesday evening - "France in the eyes"
-
for several weeks, the presenter has since been accused of sexual harassment against a former BFMTV journalist, according to revelations from Le
Parisien.
To discover
Yves Thréard presents Le Club Le Figaro Presidentielle, our new political program
Follow the latest news on Valérie Pécresse's campaign with the Figaro app
Le Figaro revealed on Tuesday afternoon that the leader of the right had agreed to maintain her presence on the show if she could introduce it with a preliminary remark.
From the start, the contender LR clearly recalled "
that she wondered about her participation this evening because of
the opening of an investigation by the courts
following a complaint filed against Mr Bourdin for attempted sexual assault.
»
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In an icy and embarrassing atmosphere, Valérie Pécresse specifies that Jean-Jacques Bourdin
"firmly contests these facts"
,
"that it is up to justice to decide them"
and "
that it respects the presumption of innocence to which each of our compatriots has the right.
Without a word from the presenter, the leader of the right continues: “
If these accusations are true, they are serious and they must be condemned.
»
It is necessary that “the voice of women be supported”
While accusations of harassment and assault have multiplied in the artistic and media world since the MeToo movement in 2017, the president of the Ile-de-France region explains that "
the fight against violence against women is a personal fight
" because "
too For a long time, society looked elsewhere, closed its eyes, trying to minimize
”.
"
Too many women have been afraid for a long time to file a complaint
," she adds.
Read also“I went to work with fear in my stomach”: a former BFMTV journalist files a complaint against Jean-Jacques Bourdin
And to clearly denounce what his policy would be in this area, once elected.
“
President of all French people, I will no longer let any woman be afraid to file a complaint: the law of silence is over!
In this movement for the liberation of speech, it is necessary, according to Valérie Pécresse, that “
women's speech is supported.
»
Before giving the floor to Jean-Jacques Bourdin – who made no comment, wishing that justice would work – Valérie Pécresse explained her approach:
“I am frank and straightforward.
If I'm here tonight, it's for you French people
.
Clearly, without this discussion format with a panel of citizens, the candidate would probably have canceled her participation in the show.
