The journalist from Point Aziz Zemouri, author of an article wrongly implicating Raquel Garrido and Alexis Corbière, was laid off and summoned to an interview prior to a possible dismissal, we learned on Friday from concordant sources, confirming information from Liberation.
Contacted by AFP, the journalist presented his “sincere apologies” to the couple of Nupes-LFI deputies from Seine-Saint-Denis, believing that they had been “victim of manipulation”. Asked, the direction of the Point did not wish to comment on this information.
The weekly has been in turmoil since the publication on its site of an article accusing Raquel Garrido, 48, and Alexis Corbière, 54, of exploiting an undocumented Algerian housekeeper.
Very rare fact, the article was withdrawn Thursday, the director of Point, Étienne Gernelle, acknowledging “errors and breaches of caution” and apologizing to deputies and readers.
“It seems well orchestrated to me”
“An internal investigation by Point has been carried out,” Aziz Zemouri recalled on Friday. “I also carried out additional investigations which led me to note inconsistencies which lead me to believe that I was the victim of manipulation,” he said.
“It’s not just WhatsApp messages that have been commented on and disputed,” he added, referring to screenshots supporting his article, the authenticity of which has been questioned by specialists in the field. digital.
“It seems well orchestrated to me. To that extent, I sincerely apologize to Raquel Garrido and Alexis Corbière. The only point that comforts me is that I did not allow this erroneous information to influence the polls” of the legislative elections, he concluded. Thursday, he said he was “convinced of the veracity of the facts”.
Two complaints filed
That same day, Raquel Garrido had asked on Twitter for the “immediate dismissal” of the journalist, citing an “indelible” wrong. Her husband had also demanded “sanctions”, in the name of the “honor of the profession” of journalism.
The couple’s lawyer, Me Xavier Sauvignet, then indicated that he was preparing two complaints, one for public defamation and another against X for forgery and use of forgery and identity theft.
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In June 2021, Le Point and Aziz Zemouri were sentenced for defamation after an article by the latter. He described actress Sand Van Roy as a former “call girl”, who accused filmmaker Luc Besson of rape and sexual assault.