the courtroom was abuzz as Mimi Marchand, a prominent figure in the world of celebrity journalism, took the stand.Known for her influence and connections, she now found herself under scrutiny, suspected of manipulating events involving television host Karine le Marchand. However, in court, she expressed regret, stating she acted “as an idiot.”

“Despite the job I do, I have a moral,” Marchand declared, her voice resonating through the courtroom. The judge, though, expressed difficulty following her explanations. The case revolves around an incident in February 2020, when Karine Le Marchand’s underage daughter was taken into custody for cannabis possession. A paparazzo,acting on behalf of Mimi Marchand,was present,hoping to photograph the mother arriving at the police station.

When it became clear that karine Le Marchand was out of the country,the photographer lost interest,deeming photos of the minor alone “unspeakable.” Mimi Marchand insisted she never requested these photos, claiming, “I was very upset because she was a minor and Karine, at the time, was a friend.”

Karine Le Marchand, present in the courtroom, vehemently denied this version of events. Marchand claimed she told her, “you send me that right away, it must not go away,” further stating she alerted Karine Le Marchand and assured her she had everything “blocked.”

When questioned about her trust in photographer Sébastien Valiela, with whom she had worked for 25 years, Mimi Marchand responded, “I prefer to recover them.” She repeatedly stated, “I am an idiot.”

Valiela’s Testimony

Sébastien Valiela,also under scrutiny,described Mimi Marchand as someone who “sees a series of photos pass” that could be damaging to her famous friends,allowing her to “intercept and prevent it from being released.” He added that she “arrives as a sausage” and “attracts the sympathy of the person,” which could be useful later.

“Maybe I consider that it is good that she thinks she has a debt.”

The judge questioned why marchand would do this with Karine Le Marchand, especially if the photos were not saleable. The president noted that Valiela is said to have accepted money,stating,”You do not refuse when she gives them to you,and you do not refuse either when she offers you a supplement.”

Mimi Marchand admitted, “Maybe I consider that it is good that she thinks she has a debt.” The judge then inquired about an alleged “arranged paparazzade?”, to which mimi Marchand replied, “that she never accepted.”

Marchand had reportedly written to Karine Le Marchand, “We can’t take pictures of you, always very stunning at the beach, alone but well-gave?” Karine Le Marchand refused and eventually reported Mimi Marchand to the police, feeling “harassed” by her constant requests to call when she was missing. Mimi Marchand allegedly sent a message saying, “It will be too late,” adding, “It’s a shame for the little one.”