Story perspectives

Bardella denies antisemitic chats and sues for defamation

By Drooid · Oct 2, 2026, 2:18 AM UTC · How we work

Summary

Story summary

Bardella denies alleged 2013 antisemitic messages and files a defamation lawsuit.
Mediapart says it authenticated 2013-2014 Messenger chats attributing antisemitic remarks to Bardella.
President Emmanuel Macron called the remarks extremely serious, unacceptable and urged the National Rally (RN) to clarify.
Marine Le Pen said she has absolute confidence in Bardella and called the allegations madness.
September polls show Le Pen leading the 2027 presidential race, with Bardella likely prime minister.

History

Historical Context

The 13 July 1990 Gayssot Law, proposed by MP Jean-Claude Gayssot, criminalises Holocaust denial under the London Charter of 1945 and obliges the Commission nationale consultative des droits de l'homme—created in 1947—to issue annual ethnicity reports. Its enforcement resurfaces in contemporary antisemitic disputes, prompting renewed legal scrutiny of public figures and political parties.

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Story summary

Bardella denies alleged 2013 antisemitic messages and files a defamation lawsuit.
Mediapart says it authenticated 2013-2014 Messenger chats attributing antisemitic remarks to Bardella.
President Emmanuel Macron called the remarks extremely serious, unacceptable and urged the National Rally (RN) to clarify.
Marine Le Pen said she has absolute confidence in Bardella and called the allegations madness.
September polls show Le Pen leading the 2027 presidential race, with Bardella likely prime minister.

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