This interview which greatly relieves Nicolas Sarkozy is a “scoop” sold by Michèle Marchand. “The queen of the paparazzi” knows the former President of the Republic well. But this spectacular turnaround is questioned by a survey (paid article) of the Mediapart site. He does not convince justice either, who suspects a manipulation intended to help the defense of the former president in the Libyan file. In addition to Michèle Marchand, three alleged financiers are indicted for “witness tampering”, as well as two characters with a troubled past. Among them is former con artist turned writer Thomas NLend.
“At the beginning, his idea was to make a scoop. And this scoop had all the more value as he was going to exonerate a friend [Nicolas Sarkozy]. That, I’m sure of it.”
Thomas NLend, also indicted in this caseto “Further investigation”
How did Mimi Marchand get this scoop? For the first time, one of his alleged accomplices recounts the underside of this operation, in “Complément d’Enquête” of January 13, 2022. His story sheds light on the role of the “queen of the people press”, who has extended his skills to the political sphere.
In the team, a “barbouze tendency” adventurer
When “Mimi the good tips” learns that Takieddine, desperate, would be ready to retract, she immediately takes off for Beirut. She brings with her a photographer from her agency, a journalist from Paris Match, as well as a “barbouze tendency” adventurer named Noël Dubus, who is the link with the Franco-Lebanese businessman. If the boss of the Bestimage agency does not hesitate to go there, it is for “check that Takieddine was going to say what was expected“, she will explain in front of the judges.
Appointment is made in a marina in an upscale neighborhood. On the program: interview and photo shoot. According to Thomas NLend, “Takieddine, very talkative, goes in all directions. And so it’s very difficult to reframe it“. But, still according to him, “the interview is going well, and (…) they have what they want“.
Extract from “From ‘Here’ to the Elysee: Mimi Marchand, the influential of the Republic”, a portrait to see in “Complément d’études” on January 13, 2022.
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