Undercover footage ignites outrage over secret dinner gatherings for Paris' elite

An undercover investigation revealing members of Paris' high society attending secret dinner events at luxury restaurants while disregarding Covid-19 restrictions has fueled outrage in France and prompted the city's prosecutor to open an investigation.

The investigation follows a TV report from M6, which aired on Friday, featuring hidden camera footage of two upscale restaurants filled with guests not wearing masks.

In the video, an undercover journalist enters a private dining club with the windows closed and is welcomed by a waiter in white gloves. When asked who invited her, she is told, 'Once you’re inside, Covid doesn’t exist.'

'We are examining potential charges of endangerment and illegal employment,' a spokesman for the Paris prosecutor told Dinogo on Monday. 'We will investigate whether these gatherings broke health regulations and identify the possible organizers and attendees.'

Restaurants in France have remained closed since the end of last year as the country grapples with a third wave of coronavirus cases. A new 'limited lockdown' was imposed last week, as President Emmanuel Macron warned that France is at risk of 'losing control' of the pandemic.

The video also reveals another secret dinner party held in an extravagant setting, complete with large tapestries and ornate paintings. Guests are seen exchanging 'la bise,' kissing each other on the cheek.

The event’s organizer appears to boast, saying, 'This week, I dined at two or three so-called clandestine restaurants, accompanied by several ministers.'

The restaurant, easily recognizable for its distinctive décor, was later identified as Palais Vivienne, owned by Pierre-Jean Chalençon.

Chalençon’s lawyer issued a statement on Sunday, confirming that the distorted voice in the video belonged to his client, but claimed he was joking when he mentioned that government ministers attended the dinners.

The scandal has sparked outrage online, with the hashtag #OnVeutLesNoms (We Want The Names) trending on Twitter on Monday.

Government spokesman Gabriel Attal informed LCI news on Sunday that authorities have been investigating reports of illegal gatherings for several months, and 200 suspects have been identified. 'They will face severe consequences,' Attal warned.

Correction: An earlier version of this story mistakenly stated that restaurants in France have been closed since last month. They have been closed since last year. This error has been corrected.