Left-wing billionaire accused of paparazzi sting on French MP
French conservative lawmaker Charles Alloncle accuses billionaire Xavier Niel of orchestrating paparazzi surveillance and distributing private photos in retaliation for his parliamentary probe.
Charles Alloncle, a member of parliament with the UDR party, claims he was followed through Paris to his home before private images of him with his parliamentary aide Shéhérazade Khandani appeared in Paris Match on May 21, according to Brussels Signal.
An investigation by Mediapart revealed that Niel received the photographs prior to their publication and played a role in their circulation. The probe also uncovered that in 2024, Niel’s media empire purchased Bestimage, a paparazzi agency founded by gossip columnist Michèle “Mimi” Marchand, for a nominal sum of just one euro while simultaneously injecting 3.7 million euros to clear its debts.
Alloncle had previously served as a vocal critic of Niel during parliamentary hearings examining public broadcasting. The lawmaker now contends the photographic operation represents deliberate retaliation designed to intimidate and undermine him politically.
In a forceful open letter and social media statements, Alloncle directly named Niel as the architect behind the surveillance effort. My being followed through Paris right up to the door of my home were apparently organised, funded and disseminated by Xavier Niel, the MP stated.
Alloncle further questioned by what authority a billionaire unhappy with being held accountable could deploy financial and media resources with impunity to intimidate and smear a sitting member of parliament whose only offense was investigating his government contracts.
The lawmaker accused Niel of employing mafia-like tactics and criticized the center-left speaker of the French Parliament for responding slowly to the scandal while quickly launching an investigation into his relationship with his assistant.
Under French law, elected officials face up to three years imprisonment and fines of 45,000 euros if they employ spouses, parents, or children. Alloncle and his aide were required to submit documentation to the ethics officer proving they did not live together.
Niel has categorically denied any involvement in commissioning or organizing the photographs, dismissing the allegations as unfounded and politically driven.
Media Double Standard Emerges
The scandal has generated remarkably limited outrage from mainstream French media outlets, many of which maintain financial ties to Niel himself. The billionaire holds major stakes in Le Monde through his investment vehicles, while his Mediawan group controls numerous additional media properties.
This muted response contrasts sharply with the sustained moral condemnation typically directed at conservative media owner Vincent Bolloré. When Bolloré’s outlets face accusations of aggressive journalism or political bias, the French media landscape frequently erupts with weeks of indignation, demands for investigations, and warnings about threats to democracy. Yet in Niel’s case, involving apparent surveillance of a sitting MP and potential abuse of media power, the reaction has been conspicuously restrained.
The National Assembly’s ethics officer has already exonerated Alloncle of any professional misconduct related to his relationship with his parliamentary collaborator.
The allegations add to growing concerns about media consolidation and billionaire influence over French journalism, particularly as the country approaches national elections in 2027.
With information from Brussels Signal
