Media and political figures have been summoned to testify as part of a judicial inquiry into the organization of public demonstrations in Nice. Among them are the president of France Télévisions, Delphine Ernotte , the city's mayor, Christian Estrosi , and his wife, Télématin commentator Laura Tenoudji-Estrosi . These hearings will take place this Monday.
The case primarily concerns two major events organized in 2023: the Junior Eurovision Song Contest, produced and broadcast by France Télévisions, and the Nice Climate Summit , a climate conference organized by the business publication La Tribune . The investigation began locally in Nice before being transferred to the specialized interregional court in Marseille.
France Télévisions says it wants to cooperate with the justice system
In a statement, France Télévisions confirmed that several of its representatives, including its president, have been summoned. The public broadcaster affirms that it is cooperating fully with the justice system, while reserving the right to comment on the facts before the relevant authorities.
Among those questioned was Jean-Christophe Tortora , head of La Tribune and CEO of CMA Media. His lawyer, Olinka Malaterre, declined to comment, while the Nice mayor's office cited the need to maintain the confidentiality of the investigation so as not to hinder its progress. The Estrosi couple could not be reached for comment.
According to Mediapart, the investigations focus in particular on suspicions of "misappropriation of public funds," "illegal taking of interest," and "forgery of public documents." The investigative website specifies that Christian Estrosi and his wife are particularly targeted, although they deny all accusations.
The controversy stems from a complaint filed by Green Party elected officials regarding the environmental conference. Laura Tenoudji-Estrosi, a commentator on Télématin since 2000 and married to Christian Estrosi since 2016, was scheduled to moderate two discussions. Faced with the ensuing uproar, she ultimately withdrew from the event, although the municipality clarified that she was participating pro bono as a contributor to La Tribune.
Regarding the Junior Eurovision Song Contest, the investigation focuses in particular on the decision to give Laura Tenoudji a role in the opening ceremony. This choice raises questions given that the city, led by her husband, is said to have heavily supported the event to the tune of more than €600, according to Mediapart.
