Marine Le Pen threatens legal action after Mediapart publishes Bardella's past remarks
Marine Le Pen warned Mediapart of a response after the outlet released alleged 2013 antisemitic comments by Jordan Bardella, prompting an ecologist deputy to file a death-threat complaint.
Mediapart published a set of 2013 messages it says were written by Jordan Bardella, then a young activist, that include antisemitic language. In reaction, Marine Le Pen labeled the site an extremist left-wing outlet and warned that it would receive a response, adding that the RN would not remain passive and would pursue legal action. She also suggested that the publication was part of a broader attempt to undermine the party's presidential campaign.
Following Le Pen's comments, Léa Balage El Mariky, a Green deputy representing Paris, filed a complaint under article 40, describing the statements as death threats. Bardella rejected the allegations, announced his intention to sue, and accused Mediapart of either fabricating the story or being manipulated by powerful opponents. Several RN members echoed his defense, asserting that the media was trying to sabotage their electoral prospects.
Why it matters
The clash highlights tensions between France's leading right-wing party and investigative media ahead of the presidential election.
How this story developed
- Sep 15 Pope Leon XIV's French tour set for mostly sunny weather across three cities
- Sep 25 The Pope arrived at the Stade de France where a large gathering of young people greeted him, chanting and cheering as his papamobile circulated the field.
- Sep 26 Pope Leo XIV held an open‑air mass at Place de la Concorde attended by several French political figures, while President Emmanuel Macron was not present.
- Sep 26 A vespers service at Notre‑Dame attended by thousands of clergy was held as part of the papal itinerary.
- Sep 26 Hundreds of thousands gathered for the Mass, with numerous French political figures in attendance.
- Sep 27 The INIRR agency is closing to new submissions as a group of survivors prepares for a papal audience.
- Sep 27 Security deployment of 15,000 police and 17,000 volunteers and a €27 million budget were detailed for the mass.
- Sep 27 Pope Leo XIV urged French bishops to stay vigilant against clerical sexual abuse during a private audience in Lourdes.
- Sep 27 The Rassemblement national announced it will form a Senate parliamentary group for the first time, having secured at least 14 seats, while an Insoumis candidate also won a seat.
- Sep 28 The RN has secured an official Senate parliamentary group.
- Sep 28 Bardella appeared on CNews, describing the accusations as "perfectly delusional" and denying any responsibility for the alleged statements. He said he would pursue legal action to protect his reputation and suggested the timing was intended to disrupt his campaign. His lawyer described him as combative and hinted at possible motives from former party members. Earlier, Bardella had dismissed the claims on X as fabricated.
- Sep 28 Sylvie Goy‑Chavent, formerly aligned with Les Républicains, joined the RN‑UDR Senate group.
- Sep 28 Bardella formally filed a defamation lawsuit against Mediapart.
- Sep 29 Pope Leo XIV concluded his French visit with a Mass in Metz attended by President Emmanuel Macron.
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