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, AFP learned on Friday from concordant sources, confirming release information. Contacted by AFP, the journalist presented his “most sincere apologies“to the couple of Nupes-LFI deputies from Seine-Saint-Denis, believing that they have been”victim of manipulation“.
Asked by AFP, the management of Le 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 Very rare fact, the article was withdrawn on Thursday, the director of Point, Étienne Gernelle, grateful “mistakes and lapses in cautionand apologizing to MPs and readers.
“An internal investigation of the Point was carried out“, recalled Friday Aziz Zemouri to AFP. “JI also carried out additional investigations which led me to note inconsistencies which allow me to think that I was the victim of manipulation“, did he declare. “It’s not just Whatsapp messages that have been commented 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.
On Thursday, he told AFP “I hope to be able to demonstrate more, but I am sure and certain of my info“. That same day, Raquel Garrido, in shock, had asked on Twitter the “immediate dismissal“of the journalist, invoking a wrong”indelible“. She would then add, “I won’t stop there. I do not forgive that he took it out on our children. My family has suffered too much. The harm done is indelible.”.
Her husband had also claimed “sanctions“, behalf “the honor of the professionr” of journalist. The couple’s lawyer, Me Xavier Sauvignet, then told AFP that he was preparing two complaints, one for public defamation and another against X for forgery and use of forgery and usurpation of In June 2021, Le Point and Mr. Zemouri had already been sentenced for defamation after an article by the latter calling actress Sand Van Roy a former “call girl”, who accused filmmaker Luc Besson of rape. and sexual assault. According to Stop on images, Aziz Zemouri has even been sentenced five times for defamation since 1995.