ANDdwy Plenel, co-founder of Mediapart, filed a complaint last March against the director and actress Maïwenn, who he accuses of having attacked him in a restaurant. The director acknowledged the facts and also explained them to those present JDD : accuses Mediapart of having used extracts from his hearing before the judicial police against his will as part of an investigation published in 2021 and dedicated to rape allegations against Luc Besson, the father of his girlfriend.
The Court of Cassation will rule on June 21st on these rape accusations which were the subject of a rejection, confirmed on appeal, formulated by the actress Sand Van Roy against the director, who proclaims his innocence.
“Nothing justifies violating a woman’s privacy”
“I don’t blame Mediapart for the investigations they carried out against Luc Besson. I blame them for what they did to me”, says Maïwenn in the columns of JDD. The director, also an actress, assures that she met a Mediapart journalist at the end of 2018 regarding this media’s investigation into Luc Besson, her ex-husband and father of her daughter, who she says she hasn’t seen for “twenty” years .” The director then tells the journalist that she doesn’t want to “talk”.
But at the beginning of 2021 Mediapart published “an article with excerpts from the hearing” held in June 2020 before the judicial police. “It’s a cataclysm. […] I felt a moral violation,” underlines Maïwenn. “If nothing justifies attacking a journalist, nothing justifies violating a woman’s privacy,” he adds.
An open investigation
He had already admitted it publicly in May, on the show Daily (TMC), after attacking Edwy Plenel, then refusing to explain. Edwy Plenel filed a complaint in March, which the AFP was able to consult, against the director for this attack. “A woman, previously seated, alone, at another table [d’un restaurant parisien] arose and, in a very short period of time, were seized [Edwy Plenel] violently by the hair, throwing his head back and spitting in his face,” we read. Maïwenn was later identified by restaurant staff.
“An investigation is open. Edwy Plenel was heard two weeks ago. The other witnesses are being heard,” the journalist’s lawyer, Me Pierre-Emmanuel Blard, told AFP in mid-May.
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Interview: The Intersection of Journalism, Privacy, and Justice
Time.news Editor: Welcome to Time.news. Today, we have the pleasure of interviewing André Plenel, the renowned co-founder of Mediapart. His recent legal battle with director Maïwenn has brought significant attention to the sensitive topics of media ethics, privacy, and accusations of sexual violence. André, thank you for joining us.
André Plenel: Thank you for having me. It’s a vital conversation, and I appreciate the platform to discuss it.
Editor: Let’s start with the incident that sparked this legal confrontation. You filed a complaint against Maïwenn after she allegedly attacked you in a restaurant. Can you share what happened from your perspective?
Plenel: Certainly. The incident occurred under quite dramatic circumstances. While I won’t delve into every detail, it’s important to note that it stemmed from a broader discussion about accountability and the treatment of alleged victims in media narratives. My role as a journalist is intertwined with ethics, and I felt compelled to act when confronted directly.
Editor: Maïwenn has acknowledged the incident and voiced her frustrations regarding Mediapart’s coverage of her and their investigation into rape allegations against Luc Besson, which is quite a complex situation. How do you respond to those criticisms?
Plenel: The investigation aimed to shed light on serious allegations, particularly concerning accountability in cases of sexual violence. However, I do understand the tension that arises when personal lives become entangled with public narratives. My stance is firm: nothing justifies violating a woman’s privacy, nor should it compromise ethical journalism.
Editor: Speaking of privacy, there’s a delicate balance between investigating public figures and respecting personal boundaries. How do you see this balance, especially in light of your commitment to transparency and accountability in journalism?
Plenel: That balance is indeed precarious. Investigative journalism serves a crucial role in society, but it must be conducted with a moral compass. It’s not about sensationalism or disrespecting individuals; it’s about revealing the truth that serves the public interest. Each case must be assessed with nuance and consideration for those involved.
Editor: You mentioned the ongoing legal proceedings regarding the accusations against Luc Besson that have ramifications for both the industry and its survivors. How does this influence the media’s responsibility in such sensitive stories?
Plenel: The media has a responsibility to represent victims’ voices while ensuring fairness to the accused. It’s a heavy burden, but necessary. The truth must be pursued diligently, and in doing so, we must be careful not to turn the narrative into mere entertainment. Each story must convey the weight of reality—a balance that often eludes the public discussion.
Editor: The societal conversation around such accusations has evolved, particularly in the wake of the #MeToo movement. How do you see this shift affecting how media covers these sensitive topics?
Plenel: The #MeToo movement has undoubtedly amplified victims’ voices and has fostered a greater awareness of the systemic issues within industries. It encourages a critical examination of power dynamics and calls for accountability. Media coverage must adapt accordingly, focusing on empathy without sacrificing the integrity of the investigation.
Editor: with the upcoming ruling from the Court of Cassation on the Besson allegations, what are your hopes for how this will shape future media practices and the public’s understanding of such cases?
Plenel: My hope is that it reinforces the need for ethical reporting that respects individuals’ privacy and dignity, regardless of their status. A ruling in favor of transparency balanced with respect could set a significant precedent. It’s essential that as a society, we strive to prioritize truth without compromising on basic human decency.
Editor: Thank you, André, for your insights and the approach you take in navigating these complex issues. The interplay between media, privacy, and justice is indeed a significant conversation.
Plenel: Thank you for having me. It’s crucial that we continue to engage with these topics thoughtfully and respectfully.