For the first time since the start of the fraud scandal surrounding Julia Simon, the defrauded teammate Justine Braisaz-Bouchet speaks openly about the difficult period she has endured, including harassment and personal attacks.

Throughout the case, Braisaz-Bouchet had remained publicly silent. Now, she reflects on how she has managed to navigate the past two years and the pressure that came with it.

“I’m managing in the same way I have for the past two years,” the French biathlon star told L’Équipe during the national team’s media day on Wednesday.

It is the first time she has commented on the case, in which her teammate, Julia Simon, was convicted of fraud and theft against her and several staff members.

Simon received a suspended three-month prison sentence and a €15,000 fine. The French Ski Federation also suspended her for one month starting November 7, meaning she will only miss the World Cup opening from November 29 to December 8 and still has a realistic opportunity to qualify for the Winter Olympics in February.

Also Read: Biathlon star suspended – Olympic start still possible

Keeping distance from the case

For Braisaz-Bouchet, maintaining focus on sport and separating performance from off-snow issues has been essential.

“I’m doing my best to separate what happens on the course from what happens outside the sport,” Braisaz-Bouchet says, and continues:

“I’m an athlete and a mother. I leave my family to go to camp, to compete, and it’s purely about sport when I go, because it’s difficult enough to leave a little girl who is almost three. It’s a dual project. It’s been my dream since I got pregnant to make this Olympic year count and to live the best years of my career. That’s what I’m working for, and the rest I try to ignore as much as possible.”

Read More: Biathlon star confesses to fraud – Suspended prison sentence and fine

Impact of harassment and hurtful comments

Braisaz-Bouchet admits the case has taken a toll, mainly because of the online harassment and hurtful comments directed at her.

“It’s not always easy because I am human and things have been said or written that are unfair, untrue, and sometimes defamatory. Yes, it hurts,” she says.

She has tried to distance herself from it but acknowledges the challenge.

“I try to step back from all that and tell myself that this is how social media works. I’m far from being isolated in this. That’s how our society functions a little bit. There have been tough things. I tried to stay away from all that; nonetheless, I’m aware of what has been said. These are people’s opinions. I don’t think I must defend myself against any of that – especially not what’s written in the comment sections.”

Calls for respect

Simon may return to the team setup within weeks, something Braisaz-Bouchet says she will not oppose.

“I’ll keep things in perspective. Again, I truly want to respect any athlete. That’s what I do. I respect all performances. I’ll do my best to stay fair play,” she says.

“From the moment I’m respected too and I can do my mission, and my sporting career isn’t hindered, then there’s no issue.”

Read More: New scandal shakes the French biathlon team

The case: What happened

French biathlon star Julia Simon admits to having misused the credit card of teammate Justine Braisaz-Bouchet and another support staff member, as well as two additional cases of fraud, all occurring between 2021 and 2022. The admission was made in court in Albertville, France, on Friday, October 24, 2025.

In January 2023, Braisaz-Bouchet reported her teammate for fraud and theft involving her and another support staff member. The fraud included online purchases of electronics worth over €2,000, which were delivered to Simon’s home in Beaufortain, as well as multiple other internet purchases. These incidents occurred in various locations in 2022, including during the Blink Festival in Sandnes, Norway.

In October 2023, Simon was arrested and questioned by police. She still denied all accusations at the time. The police launched a thorough investigation, focusing on digital traces and data traffic. These findings were presented as evidence during the trial in Albertville on October 24.

In addition to the previously known incidents, investigators uncovered further cases. Simon was charged with five counts involving three victims. The charges were:

• Fraud on December 2, 2021, in Östersund (Sweden)
• Fraud from August 5–11, 2022, in Sandnes (Norway) and Villard-sur-Dolon (France)
• Flight from August 5–7, 2022, to Sandnes (Norway)
• Fraud from September 22–25, 2022, in Premanon (France)
• Attempted fraud from September 22–25, 2022, in Premanon (France)

Simon had long insisted she was innocent. In court on October 24, she confessed to all charges.

The prosecutor requested a two-month suspended sentence and a fine of €20,000. Judges ruled three months suspended and a €15,000 fine.

The French Ski Federation (FFS) additionally imposed a six-month suspension, with five months suspended, and a €15,000 fine. According to the Federation, the funds will be used for initiatives that benefit children and youth.

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