Sex video prompts Macron ally to step down

A sex video has ended French ruling party candidate Benjamin Griveaux's hopes of becoming mayor of Paris.

The ex-spokesman for President Emmanuel Macron's government, who was already trailing in the race, was apparently targeted by a Russian protest artist accusing him of hypocrisy.

"No-one should be subjected to such abuse," said Mr Griveaux, 41.

The video, showing a man in a compromising position, quickly spread on social media late on Thursday.

Petr Pavlensky, who sought asylum from Russia in 2017, said he had posted the video online.

Opponents from across France's political spectrum voiced their outrage.

Incumbent Mayor Anne Hidalgo appealed for respect for people's private lives, while far-left leader Jean-Luc Mélenchon condemned the attack as "odious". Prime Minister Edouard Philippe expressed his support for his former colleague.

 

Sex video prompts Macron ally to step down

A sex video has ended French ruling party candidate Benjamin Griveauxs hopes of becoming mayor of Paris. The ex-spokesman for President Emmanuel Macrons government, who was already trailing in the race, was apparently targeted by a Russian protest artist accusing him of hypocrisy. No-one should be subjected to such abuse, said Mr Griveaux, 41. The video, showing a man in a compromising position, quickly spread on social media late on Thursday. Petr Pavlensky, who sought asylum from Russia in 2017, said he had posted the video online. Opponents from across Frances political spectrum voiced their outrage. Incumbent Mayor Anne Hidalgo appealed for respect for peoples private lives, while far-left leader Jean-Luc Mlenchon condemned the attack as odious. Prime Minister Edouard Philippe expressed his support for his former colleague.