Alleged assault trial approaches

Pierre Ménès is set to face trial on November 16 for alleged sexual offenses, including one involving Marie Portolano, a former colleague and journalist. The case has drawn significant public and media attention due to the high-profile nature of both individuals.

Documentary sparks controversy

The conflict began in March 2021 with the broadcast of a documentary titled Je ne suis pas une salope, je suis journaliste, produced by Marie Portolano and Guillaume Priou. The film addresses how women are treated in sports journalism and includes a segment where Portolano discusses an alleged inappropriate gesture by Ménès.

Editing controversy changes course

A sequence originally cut from the documentary, which later aired, showed Portolano discussing the incident with Ménès. This led to a shift in her career and initiated a legal dispute between the two, with the footage becoming central to the allegations against Ménès.

Ménès declines to speak with Portolano

In an interview with Public, Ménès stated he would not speak to Portolano if she were to face him in court. He claimed he had nothing to say to her and expressed skepticism about the allegations, questioning the evidence presented.

Ménès questions the evidence

Ménès raised doubts about the credibility of the claims, asking where the proof was and stating that after ten years, there was no evidence to support the allegations. He also criticized Portolano's focus on the incident, suggesting it was a significant moment in her career.