TF1 has publicly supported journalist Anne-Claire Coudray after Jean-Luc Mélenchon criticised her handling of an interview with Édouard Philippe on the channel’s evening news programme.
On Sunday night, Mélenchon said on X that he was cancelling his planned appearance on TF1’s “20 Heures”. He objected to what he described as Philippe being allowed to deliver a “disgusting” speech about immigration without interruption. He also accused Coudray of adopting what he called Philippe’s “racist slanders”.
In a statement published on X on Monday, TF1 defended the presenter’s conduct. The broadcaster said Coudray had interviewed Philippe with professionalism and rigour, questioning him about comments he had made in Le Point.
TF1 also addressed the disputed interview invitation. The channel stated that invitations for presidential candidates to appear on its evening news are announced when they have been confirmed. The wording suggested that Mélenchon’s appearance, reportedly expected during the week before a La France insoumise rally in Le Bourget, had not been validated by him or his team.
Sources: Le Figaro.