RN president Bardella faces new legal challenge as Mediapart releases authenticated 2013 messages
Mediapart has published authenticated Messenger screenshots that it says date to 2013 and contain antisemitic content attributed to Jordan Bardella, president of the Rassemblement National. The outlet says the files were obtained from Meta and. In response, the RN announced a new legal complaint alleging forgery of the documents. The controversy continues to dominate the party’s discourse as the 2027 presidential election approaches.
How this was covered
- Right-leaning outlets covered this 2h later
Why it matters
The dispute could influence public perception of the RN and its leader ahead of the upcoming election.
How the sides frame it
HIGH AGREEMENTBoth camps report Mediapart’s allegations and Bardella’s denial, but left-leaning coverage stresses the claims are fabricated smears while centrist coverage presents the allegations and denial more neutrally.
LEFT
Frames the story as Bardella rejecting fabricated antisemitic allegations, calling them a smear campaign and gross falsehoods.
CENTER
Frames the story as reporting Mediapart’s allegations and Bardella’s denial, noting the accusations as "faux grossiers" and the lack of reported legal action.
The left emphasises
- Bardella’s claims are "fabricated" and part of a "smear campaign"
- He describes the allegations as "gross falsehoods"
- He is preparing legal steps against Mediapart
How this story developed
- Sep 28 Jordan Bardella files defamation suit after Mediapart links him to antisemitic messages
- Sep 28 Bardella formally filed a defamation lawsuit against Mediapart.
- Oct 2 The RN filed a forgery complaint against Mediapart following the release of the screenshots.
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