News Trending

Magali Berdah: Dozens jailed in France’s largest cyberbully case

By 117 0

In France’s most significant cyberbullying case to date, twenty-eight individuals have been sentenced to jail terms of up to 18 months for harassing influencer Magali Berdah. The harassment, orchestrated partly by French rapper Booba’s campaign against “thieving influencers,” had severe impacts on Berdah’s mental well-being, as stated by the court in Paris.

Booba, also known as Élie Yaffa, faces his own legal proceedings for aggravated harassment, which he denies. Berdah, renowned as “the queen of influencers” in France, has faced relentless online abuse encouraged by Booba’s posts, according to her lawyers.

The court emphasized that each defendant willingly participated in the cyberbullying, resulting in jail sentences ranging from four to 18 months, with some terms suspended. Berdah, expressing relief at the verdict, described it as a “beautiful victory,” highlighting the anguish the bullying caused her over two years.

The convictions, according to Berdah’s legal team, underscore the accountability of individuals for their actions online, emphasizing that nobody is immune from consequences behind a keyboard. In addition to fines and court costs, the defendants were ordered to pay a total of 54,000 euros in compensation to Berdah.

Booba has denied leading an online “mob,” despite accusations. Notably, he has been involved in previous controversies, such as a 2018 brawl at a Paris airport with fellow rapper Kaaris, resulting in both receiving suspended jail sentences.

Separately, Berdah faces legal proceedings for money laundering, with her marketing company Shauna Events under investigation for fraud.

Picture Courtesy: Google/images are subject to copyright

News Trending

Man Taken Into Custody for Inappropriate Contact with Spanish Reporter During Live Broadcast

By 185 0

Spanish authorities have apprehended a man on suspicion of sexually assaulting a journalist during a live television broadcast. Isa Balado was reporting on a robbery in Madrid when the man allegedly touched her, which he denied when confronted. The incident was acknowledged by the program’s host, Nacho Abad, who labeled the man an “idiot” and had him appear on camera with Ms. Balado. She expressed her frustration at his inappropriate actions and continued her live report. The man later denied the accusation and even attempted to tickle her head as he walked away.

Police subsequently confirmed the arrest of a man for allegedly assaulting a reporter during a live television show. Mediaset España, the news channel’s owner, expressed support for Ms. Balado and condemned the “absolutely intolerable situation” she endured, firmly denouncing any form of harassment or aggression.

Spain’s Labor Minister, Yolanda Díaz, also condemned the incident, emphasizing that it should not go unpunished and attributing such behavior to machismo, with aggressors showing no remorse in front of the camera.

This incident occurred amidst a broader controversy in Spain following former Spanish FA president Luis Rubiales’ controversial kiss with World Cup winner Jenni Hermoso during the Women’s World Cup final, leading to widespread criticism, his subsequent resignation, and legal action over allegations of sexual assault and coercion.

Picture Courtesy: Google/images are subject to copyright

News Trending

Irish Woman Wrongly Accused by Newspaper of Losing Son to Vaccine

By 361 0

Following a lawsuit against a conspiracy theory newspaper that falsely attributed her son’s death to a Covid vaccine, a bereaved mother and her legal representative have become targets of severe online abuse. The Irish Light, known for spreading vaccine misinformation, inaccurately implicated Edel Campbell’s son, Diego Gilsenan, and others in vaccine-related deaths. This marked the first instance of a relative suing over such a case. Diego, who tragically took his own life and was not vaccinated, was included in the erroneous article.

The backlash against Ms. Campbell after filing her legal action has been distressing, deterring other affected families from seeking similar recourse, according to her solicitor, Ciaran Mulholland. The Irish Light and its editor, Gemma O’Doherty, have launched a campaign of derogatory social media posts and threats. Supporters of the publication have even called for violence against Ms. Campbell’s lawyer. The legal case aims to address harassment and defamation, rather than pursuing retribution or compensation.

In response to the false claims made by the newspaper, Ms. Campbell and her lawyer decided to take legal action against Gemma O’Doherty. The Irish Light had published a front-page photo of Diego and others with the misleading headline “Died Suddenly.” This headline was subsequently used by conspiracy theorists to suggest a link between young people’s unexpected deaths and the Covid-19 vaccine.

Ms. Campbell’s legal pursuit is backed by donations and pro bono work. Despite obtaining a restraining order against the Irish Light editor in July, abusive posts have persisted on social media. The Irish police are investigating the alleged harassment. Gemma O’Doherty and the Irish Light have not responded to inquiries from the BBC.

The case bears resemblance to other instances where conspiracy theorists have targeted victims, such as survivors of the Manchester Arena bombing and parents of Sandy Hook shooting victims. The Irish Light has a history of promoting conspiracy theories, and its unfounded claims have been a source of distress for Ms. Campbell and others who have faced similar unfounded allegations.

Picture Courtesy: Google/images are subject to copyright