Bardella Denies Antisemitism Claims Says He Sued Mediapart
Jordan Bardella leads Marine Le Pen's National Rally party in France. He denied making antisemitic remarks as a teenager.
He also denied antisemitic comments in private chats from 2013. Mediapart published these allegations against him.
Bardella said he filed a defamation lawsuit against Mediapart. Political opponents called for Bardella to resign over the claims.
Bardella said a "total war" was being waged against his party. He called the allegations an effort to hurt the campaign.
Le Pen and the National Rally stood by Bardella. Their ally Éric Ciotti also supported him.
Le Pen said Bardella had her "total confidence" and criticized Mediapart. She also promised on Tuesday to respond to the allegations.
Le Pen is running for president for a fourth time in 2027. She was polling well and leading the presidential race.
The claims are sensitive for Le Pen's campaign. She has tried to distance her party from antisemitism.
Key Terms 3
- National Rally French political party led by Marine Le Pen and Jordan Bardella.
- Mediapart French investigative news website that published the allegations.
- defamation lawsuit Legal case claiming false statements damaged someone's reputation.