Journalists from France 2's « Complément d’enquête » program denied on Thursday before the parliamentary inquiry commission on public audiovisual the accusations by Rachida Dati of witness bribery. The culture minister had claimed on February 5 that the show attempted to monetize testimony from a vulnerable family member. Tensions within the commission may shift to the judicial arena.
The parliamentary inquiry commission on public audiovisual experienced tension during Rachida Dati's hearing on February 5 at the Assemblée nationale. The culture minister testified under oath that France Télévisions' « Complément d’enquête » program offered money to secure testimony from a vulnerable family member in an investigation about her. She provided no evidence to support these claims.
On Thursday, February 12, the involved journalists testified at the Palais-Bourbon to refute these statements. Presenter Tristan Waleckx stated: « We obviously did not give money, or offer money, to anyone in Mme Dati's entourage, even through a third party. » Beside him, report author Louis Milano-Dupont mentioned receiving a recent email from a close relative of Rachida Dati who recognized themselves in the comments made. This relative affirmed that « Complément d’enquête never offered him money ». This document will be provided to the deputies.
These sworn exchanges highlight ongoing frictions within the commission. The journalists' denials could lead to judicial proceedings, turning the parliamentary debate into a legal matter.
