By SudOuest.fr with AFP
The host is “temporarily” deprived of the airwaves. “This decision was taken so as not to prejudice the daily operation of BFMTV and RMC”, indicates the Altice group.
Television and radio host Jean-Jacques Bourdin, targeted by a complaint for sexual assault, is “temporarily” removed from the air on BFMTV and RMC, the parent company of the two media, Altice, announced on Sunday.
“Jean-Jacques Bourdin, at the request of management, is temporarily withdrawing from the antennas of BFMTV and RMC. This decision was taken so as not to prejudice day-to-day operations,” the group said in a statement.
“This temporary withdrawal from the antenna will prevent political and media manipulation of this affair. The group recalls that Jean-Jacques Bourdin vigorously disputes the facts denounced and benefits from the presumption of innocence,” added Altice.
Complaint from a former colleague
The complaint comes from a former collaborator of the famous 72-year-old host. This young woman, now 33, describes the attack as having taken place in the swimming pool of a Corsican hotel in October 2013.
The investigation could lead to a dismissal for prescription, since the deadline in this area is six years. Altice “recalls that an internal investigation has been opened to ensure that no facts of this type have been brought to the attention of the company’s employees and managers”.
The duration of the sidelining of Jean-Jacques Bourdin is not specified, nor its legal terms. “The political interview at 8:30 a.m. will be provided by Apolline de Malherbe from Monday,” said the group, while “La France dans les Yeux” will be hosted by Bruce Toussaint.
Jean-Jacques Bourdin “regrets” this decision
The host said on Sunday that he regretted this “unilateral decision”, recalling that he “contests the facts” and deploring “that the principle of the presumption of innocence is ignored”.
Friday morning, Yannick Jadot had canceled an interview on Jean-Jacques Bourdin’s show, while three days earlier Valérie Pécresse had stressed that she had “clearly asked the question” of her coming or not.