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. The journalist from Point Aziz Zemouri, author of the article, was laid off and summoned to an interview prior to a possible dismissal, Agence France-Presse (AFP) learned on Friday June 24 from concordant sources, confirming information from Release.
Contacted by AFP, the journalist presented his “sincerest apologies” to the couple of Nupes-LFI deputies from Seine-Saint-Denis, believing that they have been “victim of manipulation”. Requested by AFP, the direction of the Point declined to comment on this information.
Very rare fact, the article was withdrawn, Thursday, from the site of the weekly, the director of PointEtienne Gernelle, grateful “mistakes and lapses in caution” and apologizing to MPs and readers.
“Diligent internal investigation of the “Point””
“An internal investigation by the Point has been expedited”Aziz Zemouri told AFP 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”did he declare.
“It’s not just Whatsapp messages that have been commented on and disputed”he added in reference to screenshots supporting his article and whose authenticity has been questioned by digital specialists. “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 misinformation to influence the polls” legislative, he concluded. Thursday, he told AFP to be “convinced of the veracity of the facts”.
That same day, Raquel Garrido had asked on Twitter the “immediate dismissal” of the journalist, invoking a fault “indelible”. Her husband had also claimed « sanctions »behalf “the honor of the profession” of a journalist. The couple’s lawyer, Mr.e Xavier Sauvignet, then informed AFP that he was preparing two complaints, one for public defamation and another against X for forgery and use of forgery and identity theft.
In June 2021, Point and Mr. Zemouri had been 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.