Complaint Against L'Incorrect Magazine by Journalists Thomas Legrand and Patrick Cohen Dismissed by Paris Prosecutor

The Paris prosecutor's office has dismissed the complaint filed by journalists Thomas Legrand and Patrick Cohen against the magazine L'Incorrect regarding the clandestine recording of a conversation with socialist officials. The investigation could not identify the source of the recording, citing the protection of journalistic confidentiality. The video, released last September, featured Legrand commenting on political support involving Rachida Dati and sparked controversy over alleged bias in France's public audiovisual media.

Despite the dismissal, Legrand and Cohen declared their intention to pursue further legal actions, asserting they were victims of malicious espionage and manipulation aimed at damaging them and the public audiovisual service. This controversy has heightened tensions between France Télévisions and Radio France and prompted a parliamentary inquiry opened at the request of Eric Ciotti's UDR party, which advocates privatization of public broadcasting.

Both journalists were interrogated on December 18, 2025, during the inquiry, where they denounced conspiratorial tactics against them. Legrand also filed a separate complaint related to the leak of a private conversation recorded at a café with former France Inter director Laurence Bloch. The prosecutor's investigation had focused on offenses including invasion of privacy and dissemination of false information potentially disturbing public peace.