Paris prosecutors have requested a trial for French rapper Booba, alleging cyberharassment against influencer Magali Berdah. The move comes after 28 individuals were already convicted in March 2024 for their involvement in a coordinated online harassment campaign targeting Berdah, spurred by comments made by the rapper.
The request for a trial, announced on Monday, February 23, 2026, marks a significant escalation in the legal battle between Booba and Berdah. Prosecutors allege a sustained effort to harm Berdah online, following initial comments by Booba criticizing what he termed “thieving influencers.” The case highlights the growing legal scrutiny of online behavior and the responsibilities of social media platforms in addressing harassment.
Berdah, often referred to as “the queen of influencers” in France, has spoken publicly about the devastating impact of the online attacks, stating that the harassment brought her “within a whisker of throwing (herself) out of the window.” She runs Shauna Events, an agency representing reality TV stars and social media personalities. The prosecutor’s decision follows a lengthy investigation into the online activity directed at Berdah, which included hateful and insulting messages.
According to Berdah’s legal team, Antonin Gravelin-Rodriguez, Rachel-Flore Pardo, and David-Olivier Kaminski, this decision represents a crucial step towards accountability. They stated, “Près de 4 ans après le début du cyberharcèlement et 2 ans après la condamnation des autres cyberharceleurs, le parquet requiert enfin le renvoi de Booba et ses complices devant le Tribunal correctionnel.” (Roughly translated: “Nearly 4 years after the start of the cyberharassment and 2 years after the conviction of the other cyberbullies, the prosecution finally requests that Booba and his accomplices be referred to the Criminal Court.”)
Previous Convictions in the Case
In March 2024, a Paris court sentenced 28 individuals to jail terms ranging from four to 18 months – some suspended – for their participation in the cyberbullying campaign against Berdah. The court found that each defendant “made a conscious choice to join in” with the harassment, as reported by the BBC. The defendants were similarly fined 700 euros (£598) and ordered to pay a combined 54,000 euros (£56,100) in compensation to Berdah.
X (formerly Twitter) Under Investigation
The case has also drawn scrutiny towards social media platforms, specifically X (formerly Twitter). The Times reported in December 2024 that a judge in Paris is leading an investigation into whether X was complicit in the alleged harassment by allowing Booba to continue posting after being charged. The investigation centers on whether X can be held liable for failing to remove content deemed harassing.
Antonin Gravelin-Rodriguez, representing Berdah, has argued that social networks need to invest more resources in regulating content, stating that by continuing to provide services to alleged instigators of harassment, they are complicit. Booba has denied heading an online “mob” and has not been convicted of harassment.
Booba’s Previous Legal Issues
Booba, whose real name is Élie Yaffa, has faced legal challenges before. He was involved in a brawl at a Paris airport in 2018, which garnered media attention. He was also questioned by authorities in October 2023 regarding allegations of cyberbullying and threats of violence made against Berdah, as noted in an Instagram post.
The prosecution’s request for a trial signals a continued effort to address online harassment and hold individuals accountable for their actions. The outcome of this case could set a precedent for future legal battles involving online behavior and the responsibilities of social media platforms.
The next step involves a judge issuing an order determining whether the case will proceed to trial. The timing of a potential trial remains uncertain, but Berdah’s legal team is pushing for a swift resolution. This case underscores the growing legal and social challenges posed by cyberbullying and the need for effective measures to protect individuals from online harm.
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