# Marie Portolano defamation trial

> Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/marie-portolano-defamation-trial
> Updated: 2026-09-08T05:39:51.000Z. Sources: 6. Developments: 2.

Journalist Marie Portolano is facing a defamation trial in Paris following a lawsuit filed by former Canal+ commentator Pierre Ménès. The legal dispute centers on Portolano’s March 2024 book, ‘Je suis la femme du plateau’, which addresses systemic sexism and sexual violence in sports media. Ménès contends that specific passages describing non-consensual behavior allow him to be identified.

During court proceedings, Portolano testified regarding allegations of sexual misconduct, describing a ‘permanent avoidance strategy’ used to manage Ménès. She recounted incidents of inappropriate physical contact and stated that her discomfort was often met with laughter. While Ménès was absent after the court rejected a request for postponement, Portolano’s defense presented testimonies from colleagues to corroborate her accounts. A judgment is expected on November 4.

## Timeline

### 2026-09-08: Marie Portolano testifies in defamation trial involving Pierre Ménès

Journalist Marie Portolano testified in a Paris court against defamation charges brought by Pierre Ménès, maintaining her allegations of sexual misconduct and inappropriate behavior during their time at Canal+.

4 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/marie-portolano-testifies-in-defamation-trial-involving-pierre-mns

### 2026-09-05: Marie Portolano faces defamation trial in Paris

Journalist Marie Portolano faces a defamation trial in Paris following Pierre Ménès's complaint regarding her book, which details allegations of sexual assault during her time at Canal+.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/marie-portolano-faces-defamation-trial-in-paris

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Cite as: Marie Portolano defamation trial. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/marie-portolano-defamation-trial