Key Facts
- ✓ Benjamin Griveaux was a Macronist candidate for the Paris mayoral election in 2020.
- ✓ His campaign collapsed after the public release of a private sex tape.
- ✓ Griveaux was forced to withdraw from the race as a direct result of the scandal.
Quick Summary
In 2020, Benjamin Griveaux, a leading candidate for the Paris mayoral election, experienced a dramatic political downfall. As a prominent member of La République En Marche (LREM), Griveaux was positioned as a key figure in the presidential party's bid to capture the capital.
His campaign, however, was abruptly terminated following the public dissemination of a private video. The leak forced Griveaux to withdraw his candidacy, turning what was a serious political campaign into a major personal and public scandal. The event remains a significant moment in recent French political history, illustrating the vulnerability of public figures in the digital age.
The Candidate and His Campaign
Benjamin Griveaux was considered a Macroniste de la première heure, an early and loyal supporter of President Emmanuel Macron. His candidacy for the Paris mayorship was a central part of the LREM strategy to establish a strong foothold in major French cities.
As a former government spokesperson and minister, Griveaux brought significant experience to the race. His campaign was focused on modernizing Paris and representing the new political movement that had swept Macron to power. The expectation was that he would be a formidable contender in the municipal elections.
"Perdre Paris pour une sextape, c’est le pire des scénarios"
— Benjamin Griveaux
The Scandal Erupts 💥
The turning point of the campaign came with the diffusion d’une vidéo à caractère sexuel (release of a sex tape). This event caused the campaign to exploser en vol (explode in mid-air), a metaphor for its sudden and catastrophic end.
The leak was a direct hit on Griveaux's personal life, creating a media firestorm that overshadowed all political issues. The scandal was not just a minor setback but a complete derailment of his mayoral bid. The quote "Perdre Paris pour une sextape, c’est le pire des scénarios" (To lose Paris for a sex tape is the worst of scenarios) perfectly encapsulates the gravity of the situation.
Immediate Withdrawal from the Race
Faced with overwhelming public pressure and media scrutiny, Benjamin Griveaux had no choice but to se retirer de la course (withdraw from the race). His decision was swift and definitive, marking the end of his 2020 political ambitions in Paris.
This withdrawal was a major blow to the LREM party's plans for the municipal elections. The scandal effectively removed a high-profile candidate from the race and forced the party to re-evaluate its strategy for the capital. The incident highlighted the immense personal toll that such leaks can take on public figures and their families.
Aftermath and Legacy
The Griveaux scandal sent shockwaves through the French political establishment. It served as a stark reminder of the risks associated with public life in an era where privacy is increasingly difficult to maintain.
For Griveaux, the event marked a personal and professional catastrophe. For the political world, it raised questions about digital security, privacy, and the boundaries between public and private life. The incident remains a key case study in the intersection of politics, technology, and personal scandal.
