Journalist Sonia Mabrouk announced her resignation from CNews on February 6, 2026, citing a strained relationship with management after opposing the retention of Jean-Marc Morandini on air despite his conviction for corruption of minors. She will remain on air for a one-month notice period. The move has elicited varied reactions in media circles.
On February 6, 2026, at 7:18 p.m., Sonia Mabrouk informed AFP of her resignation from CNews, noting a «certain and effective alteration of (her) relationship with part of CNews management» since her public distancing from retaining Jean-Marc Morandini. Definitively convicted by the Cour de cassation in January for corruption of minors through sexual messages sent to three adolescents between 2009 and 2016, Morandini was kept on air by the Canal+ group, despite an initial promise to fire him if convicted. Gérald-Brice Viret, CEO of Canal+ France, had stated: «We fully assume it».
Two weeks earlier, questioned live by PS deputy Jérôme Guedj, Mabrouk expressed her unease: «I haven’t slept for several days. This decision doesn’t belong to me. I have a lot of respect for my management and hierarchy, but in no way does that mean endorsing it. In no way is it moral complacency regarding what we’re talking about, which is of real gravity.» As a mother of a daughter and pregnant with her second child, a boy due in spring, she highlighted her commitment against sexual violence.
Absent from «Midi News» since the previous Wednesday – justified by the channel as malaise due to her high-risk pregnancy at 48, though a rumor mentions a clash with Serge Nedjar –, Mabrouk will not return to the political interview the next day. No mention of her departure was made that evening on CNews airwaves, even in «L’heure des pros». Only Morandini’s blog addressed it at 7:37 p.m., noting her one-month notice and rumors of talks with BFMTV or public service.
Support has emerged: Alexandre Devecchio wrote: «Your professionalism and integrity will be missed at CNews.» Paul Sugy said: «Sad news. We’ll miss you, dear Sonia.» Pascal Praud and Laurence Ferrari, who had already distanced themselves from the Morandini decision, have not yet publicly reacted to the resignation. Raquel Garrido called Bolloré’s choice «morally shocking». Additionally, a new complaint for attempted corruption of minors from 2012 was filed against Morandini, but prescribed since 2022, with no investigation opened.
