Stressing that she had "clearly asked the question" of her participation in the program "France in the eyes", Valérie Pécresse assured that "it is of course up to justice to decide" by adding: "I respects the presumption of innocence to which each of our compatriots is entitled".
But "very clearly these accusations, if proven, are serious and must be condemned", added the candidate, assuring that the fight against sexual harassment and violence against women was "a personal fight".
"For too long, society has looked the other way, closed its eyes" and "too many women have been afraid to file a complaint", she added.
But "the law of silence is over", added Valérie Pécresse who promised that, as president, she would not let "any woman be afraid to file a complaint".
"For speech to be freed, women need to feel supported. With me, they will be," she promised.
Visibly moved, Jean-Jacques Bourdin assured that he had decided "not to (s) 'express on this subject".
"But I contest the facts reported by the press and I let justice do its job," he added.
Valérie Pécresse had conditioned her participation in an "introductory remark" at the start of the program.
Valérie Pécresse in Uzerche in Corrèze on January 18, 2022 Alain JOCARD AFP
An investigation for suspicion of sexual assault was opened in Paris after a complaint filed by a former journalist from BFMTV / RMC against Jean-Jacques Bourdin.
© 2022 AFP