Three lines as a farewell. In a press release, the Altice group announces the departure of Jean-Jacques Bourdin, 73, from the antennas of RMC and BFMTV. “Due to the events that occurred and were brought to the attention of the Management during the year 2022, the Management decided to put an end to the employment contract of Mr. Jean-Jacques Bourdin and thus cease all collaboration”, can we read there.
The events in question? The complaint filed by journalist Fanny Agostini, a former RMC journalist, last January for attempted sexual assault and then revealed by Le Parisien. A complaint dismissed on April 7, 2022 for prescription of public action by the Paris prosecutor’s office, the facts denounced by the complainant dating back to 2013.
If he had been kept on the air for a time, Jean-Jacques Bourdin had been dismissed at the end of January. In the meantime, the presidential candidate Valérie Pécresse had challenged him live on her show “La France dans les yeux”, while Yannick Jadot had canceled his visit because of the alleged facts.
According to our information, following the internal investigation launched after the complaint, there was no testimony that could give rise to criminal proceedings. On the other hand, elements put forward inappropriate behavior and reflections, which made it impossible for him to return to the antenna.
Internally this Friday, the announcement of the dismissal of Jean-Jacques Bourdin did not surprise, however. “The predominant feeling is indifference, confides a journalist. We even say Finally…” “Everyone expected this decision, adds another. It was just a matter of finding a way to get him out. Especially since it is common knowledge that he was preparing to do his last season on the group’s channels, business or not. »
In addition, in recent weeks, the management of the channel has confirmed to Apolline de Malherbe that it will continue to interview at 8:30 a.m. each morning. Bourdin’s Joker and her replacement for two years on RMC’s morning show, the 42-year-old journalist took over at the end of January. And knew how to impose his paw. “Bringing him back would have made no sense, judges a competitor, on condition of anonymity. He could never have returned to the air. Even if the guests came, he would have been brought back to this complaint too often, it would not have been tenable either for him or for the chain. And honestly, can you imagine him talking about the rape charges against Damien Abad or Gérald Darmanin? He would have had everyone on his back! »
Contacted, the management of BFMTV did not wish to comment. Jean-Jacques Bourdin, he did not respond to our requests. On Twitter, the interviewer congratulated himself on “21 years of success. “We are separating, I am so happy to be released. I’m leaving for new adventures and I’ll never forget those who accompanied me… Long live free and independent journalism! “, he claims.