The prosecution has requested an 18-month prison sentence for Magali Berdah, the former “popess of influencers,” including six months under electronic monitoring. She was tried on Monday, September 30, in Nice for bankruptcy.
The prosecution has called for 18 months in prison for Magali Berdah, known as the former “popess of influencers.” She was tried on Monday in Nice for bankruptcy related to her time as an insurance broker nearly a decade ago.
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The case revolves around the brokerage firm BA & CO, established in 2013 by a childhood friend of Berdah. The company was taken over in March 2014 by the mother of this social media figure and subsequently declared in compulsory liquidation in July 2015, with liabilities estimated at nearly 2.5 million euros.
While Magali Berdah presented herself as a simple employee responsible for sales at BA & CO, the prosecution argues that she was the de facto manager. “She appears to be the central figure of this company. She defends herself, but all the evidence points in the same direction,” emphasized prosecutor Sylvie Maillard, who also requested a permanent ban on managing a company.
More than 80,000 euros withdrawn in cash without justification
Also facing charges are Magali Berdah’s childhood friend, who declined to answer questions, and her mother, who was absent from the hearing due to health issues and provided vague responses during the investigation. The prosecution sought a suspended prison sentence for them.
From 2014 to 2015, the unclear accounting of BA & CO shows over 80,000 euros withdrawn in cash without justification, while 600,000 euros flowed through an account opened in the name of a secretary to pay salaries at a time when the company’s assets were at risk of being frozen by creditors. This account also revealed significant luxury expenditures (hotels in Monaco, clothing, chocolates, etc.) that remain unexplained.
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In a confrontational stance before the judges, Magali Berdah acknowledged a certain overlap between her personal finances and the secretary’s account: she received payments for her work and also supplemented the account with funds that had been lent to her in 2015.
In 2019, she was convicted of abuse of weakness for borrowing these funds from a man diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease, although she asserts that she repaid everything in full, including interest. This case prompted investigators to take a renewed interest in BA & CO. “Suddenly, we woke up realizing that it was Magali Berdah who was responsible for everything,” the influencer lamented.
“Descent into hell”
She emphasized the twenty companies she managed throughout her career, claiming they were all liquidated “properly”—though, as the prosecutor noted, they incurred 350,000 euros in liabilities—while her agency, Shauna Events, established in 2017 and focused on connecting brands with influencers, has been profitable.
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However, she faced a “descent into hell” in 2022 when rapper Booba accused her of fraudulent business practices. Although the investigation against her was closed, Booba was indicted for aggravated online harassment, and 28 internet users were convicted in March. The trial continued into the night with arguments from the defense.
The Trial of Magali Berdah: Key Insights and Developments
The prosecution has requested an 18-month prison sentence, with six months under an electronic bracelet, for Magali Berdah, widely recognized as the former “popess of influencers.” Her trial took place on Monday, September 30, in Nice, focused on allegations of bankruptcy dating back to her tenure as an insurance broker nearly a decade ago.
The case revolves around BA & CO, a brokerage company established in 2013 by a childhood friend of Berdah, which she allegedly took control of in March 2014. The company was placed into compulsory liquidation in July 2015, with liabilities estimated at a staggering €2.5 million. The prosecution argues that despite her claims of being a mere employee responsible for sales, Berdah was, in fact, the de facto manager, playing a central role in the company’s operations. Prosecutor Sylvie Maillard emphasized that all evidence points towards her involvement, advocating for a permanent ban on her ability to manage a company.
Financial Misconduct Allegations
Magali Berdah, alongside her childhood friend, appeared in court against a backdrop of financial misconduct allegations. Between 2014 and 2015, the dubious accounting records of BA & CO revealed over €80,000 taken in cash without adequate justification. Moreover, an account opened in the name of a secretary—designed to circumvent potential asset freezes—saw approximately €600,000 flow through it, funding not only salaries but also lavish expenses including hotels in Monaco and luxury clothing.
Key Figures in the Case
| Individual | Role | Requested Penalty |
|---|---|---|
| Magali Berdah | De facto manager | 18 months in prison, 6 months electronic bracelet |
| Childhood Friend | Co-defendant | Suspended prison sentence |
| Berdah’s Mother | Former Owner | Suspended prison sentence |
Despite the overwhelming evidence, Berdah attempted to mitigate her role in the financial discrepancies, acknowledging a certain overlap between her finances and those of the secretary, claiming to have repaid all debts incurred.
Criminal History and Past Convictions
Magali Berdah’s legal troubles are not limited to the ongoing bankruptcy case. In 2019, she was convicted of abuse of weakness for borrowing funds from an individual suffering from Alzheimer’s disease. Although she asserts that she repaid the full amount along with interest, this conviction has significantly tarnished her public image, prompting investigators to scrutinize her past business ventures more closely.
The Impact of Social Media Controversies
The trial unfolds against a background of heightened scrutiny of influencers and their practices, particularly following a series of accusations by rapper Booba regarding Berdah’s business dealings. His claims led to a wider investigation into her conduct. Although Booba faced charges for online harassment, Berdah’s situation highlights the complexities surrounding influencer culture and the legal repercussions that can arise. The influence of social media on public perception and legal scrutiny cannot be overstated.
Responses to Allegations
Throughout the proceedings, Magali Berdah has maintained a combative stance, insisting that the accusations are unfounded. She claims to have managed numerous companies effectively, each of which she asserts was liquidated “properly.” However, the prosecutor noted that her ventures had collectively amassed liabilities totaling €350,000.
Berdah’s testimony also revealed a profound sense of loss and confusion regarding her public image, especially following the public fallout stemming from Booba’s accusations. This has dramatically impacted her reputation and brand, shifting from that of a successful influencer to a figure embroiled in controversy.
Future Implications for Influencer Regulations
This trial is not only pivotal for Magali Berdah but could also set a precedent for how influencer-related misconduct is handled in the future. As the trial continues, the broader implications for regulations surrounding influencer marketing and financial transparency in the digital age are becoming increasingly apparent.
As societal attitudes evolve, it will be fascinating to see how legal standards adapt to manage and regulate the burgeoning field of social media influencers, particularly those who wield significant power over public opinion.
Conclusion of the Trial
The trial has garnered considerable attention, not only due to Berdah’s celebrity status but also due to the implications for the influencer industry as a whole. As the legal proceedings continue, further developments await, which could reshape the landscape for influencer accountability and ethical practices.