Jean-Luc Mélenchon has renewed his criticism of journalists after Apolline de Malherbe defended Anne-Claire Coudray during a BFMTV interview with presidential candidate Raphaël Glucksmann on Monday, November 2.
During the programme, de Malherbe referred to the hostile climate affecting politicians and journalists. She recalled that Mélenchon had accused Coudray of repeating what he described as Édouard Philippe’s “racist slanders” and had said he would cancel his planned appearance on TF1’s evening news.
“Anne-Claire Coudray was insulted by Jean-Luc Mélenchon,” de Malherbe said, describing a broader atmosphere of violence and hatred involving media outlets and politicians. She also questioned how journalists and candidates could maintain the campaign for the six months remaining before the first round of the presidential election.
Mélenchon responded in a message posted on X. He wrote that, “for this caste,” asking racist questions was considered normal while denouncing them was treated as insulting. He also linked the dispute to the tribute to the victims of the terrorist attack in Trappes and urged media outlets and public opinion to “open their eyes.”
The exchange followed an interview in which Glucksmann discussed tensions involving La France insoumise. He claimed that Insoumise activists had booed Paris mayor Emmanuel Grégoire during an initial tribute to the victims on Place Stalingrad and alleged that activists sought to block or heckle political events.
TF1 issued a statement on Monday supporting Coudray. The channel said she had conducted her interview with Édouard Philippe professionally and rigorously while questioning him about remarks published in Le Point. TF1 also stated that invitations to presidential candidates for its evening news are announced once they have been confirmed, suggesting that Mélenchon’s appearance had not been validated by the channel or his team.
Sources: Le Figaro.