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Michèle Marchand, nicknamed Mimi, a well-known figure in the paparazzi and celebrity press in France, is suspected of having tried to extort money from M6 star Karine Le Marchand. This case began on March 5, 2024, when Alya Le Marchand, the host’s daughter, was arrested in a cannabis-related case. Photos taken when she was released from police custody are said to have been used to pressure her mother.
Karine Le Marchand says she prevented the images from being published for a sum of 3,000 euros, without initially revealing the identity of the person involved, now identified as Mimi Marchand, who is said by France 2 to be very close to the presidential couple and to prominent public figures. She allegedly later requested an additional 3,000 euros, becoming increasingly insistent and threatening, which led the famous host to file a complaint.
Video unavailableBeyond this attempted extortion, the case becomes more complex with the involvement of two police officers, who are also accused of bribery and breach of professional secrecy. They are said to have been in contact with paparazzo Sébastien Valiela, well known for his photos of public figures.
French justice has therefore requested that Michèle Marchand be brought before the court to answer for these accusations. For her part, Karine Le Marchand publicly expressed her indignation and her intention to defend her family against what she considers to be malice.