French Prime Minister François Bayrou rejected allegations made by Mediapart that he covered up sexual abuse at a school his children attended. The investigation claimed he defended a priest accused of raping a student in the late 1990s. Bayrou announced he would file a defamation lawsuit against the media outlet and asserted his ignorance of any such incidents, suggesting a smear campaign against him. Amidst ongoing investigations into a range of abuse complaints at the school, he faced questioning from legislators highlighting contradictions in his statements.
François Bayrou stated he plans to sue Mediapart for defamation over claims he lied to cover for a priest accused of sexual abuse.
During a National Assembly session, Bayrou asserted he was unaware of any sexual violence at Notre-Dame de Bétharram, dismissing allegations as a smear campaign.
Bayrou characterized the media's portrayal of the situation as a recurring method to undermine individuals in positions of authority, claiming it's a familiar tactic.
MP Paul Vannier challenged Bayrou on his lack of action to protect pupils from abuse, citing contradictions in Bayrou's claims and investigative reports.
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