![Nathalie Saint-Cricq (Archives). [STEPHANE DE SAKUTIN / AFP]](/cdn-cgi/image/onerror=redirect,width=640,height=640,format=webp/https://storage.googleapis.com/uploads.mongoosehq.com/url/media/113811439/3fffe092eb64938213f245beb2393b5b9edacb54e407856ffade5822cec67ae9)
![Nathalie Saint-Cricq. [STEPHANE DE SAKUTIN / AFP]](/cdn-cgi/image/onerror=redirect,width=640,height=640,format=webp/https://storage.googleapis.com/uploads.mongoosehq.com/url/media/114154823/2109b570410a2c5396ab8f9d92a54993d2fc02e98a909f0a9a80d6f3ac5b2a92)
Overview
- During franceinfo’s live municipal election coverage on March 15, Saint-Cricq was heard saying "alias Benito" about Éric Ciotti when her microphone remained open.
- Franceinfo issued an official apology to Ciotti that night, and Saint-Cricq apologized on air for "inappropriate and misplaced" remarks.
- France Télévisions confirmed a one‑week suspension, keeping the editorialist off all broadcasts through the March 22 second‑round programs.
- In interviews on March 17, Saint-Cricq said she was caught by a mic that was not cut, acknowledged a mistake, and expressed regret for the aside.
- Reactions split: Nice mayor Christian Estrosi called the suspension shameful and Pascal Praud defended her, while Ciotti noted he received apologies from Saint-Cricq and France Télévisions chief Delphine Ernotte; a separate on‑air aside about LFI’s Imane Hamel also drew criticism.