The Case of Benjamin Griveaux. Alexandra de Taddeo appeared in court in a mermaid-covered dress

It’s almost a grand entrance. On her arrival at the Paris Criminal Court this Wednesday, June 28, Alexandra de Taddeo stunned as she arrived arm-in-arm with her companion, Russian activist Pyotr Pavlensky, in a long fringed mermaid-effect dress. An original test outfit to say the least and one that doesn’t shy away from challenging the audience. As CNews reporter Noemi Schultz wrote on Twitter, “Alexandra de Taddeo’s dress shines brightly under the lights of the Paris court.”

Before the start of the trial and an hour late, Pyotr Pavlensky announced with a gavel in front of the cameras: “I wanted this porn film.” In turn, holding the newly published book (loveÉditions Privé), Alexandra de Taddeo said that “it is here [au tribunal] talk about big feelings (…) and talk about my book.”

Let’s remind that the couple appears in the Paris court for recording and broadcasting the sexual images of Benjamin Griveau without their consent. They face two years in prison and a fine of 60,000 euros.

“Pornopolitics”

On the morning of February 14, 2020, Benjamin Griveau, then the LREM (now Renaissance) candidate for mayor of Paris, announced his withdrawal from the campaign, condemning the “despicable attacks on (his) private life”. Less than 48 hours ago, videos of a man’s handjob were published on a website called “Pornopolitic” and the link to them was shared on social networks. The pictures were accompanied by a text signed by Pyotr Pavlensky.

These videos were sent by Benjamin Griveaux to Alexandra de Taddeo during a brief relationship between May and August 2018. They were edited with screenshots of messages exchanged between them. The resignation of the former secretary of state, government speaker and deputy caused a political scandal. The left and the right unanimously criticized the “voyeuristic shipwreck” and the “threat to democracy”.

Pyotr Pavlensky, known for extreme “performances” in Russia and a refugee in France since 2017, said that this action of “political art” was aimed at denouncing the “disgusting hypocrisy” of Benjamin Grivo, who “used his family to present himself as an icon : All the fathers and husbands of Paris.” Benjamin Griveau quickly filed a complaint and an investigation began.

During the procedure, Alexandra de Taddeo claimed that she saved these videos in order to have “proof” if her relationship with the politician became known, but she assured that Piotr Pavlensky, whom she met at the end of 2018, broadcast them without his knowledge. . Investigating judges, on the contrary, maintained his “direct involvement”. The one-day hearing could resume Thursday morning.

In the video, “Benjamin Griveau was the one who suggested that we meet.” Alexandra de Taddeo confesses her testimony.