In a tragic and divisive chapter of French social history, the murder of 16-year-old Thomas Perotto in Crépol has sparked ongoing debates that resonate from town squares to the halls of government. The brutal stabbing, which occurred during a brawl at a village ball in the night of November 18 to 19, 2023, has catalyzed intense media scrutiny and sociopolitical discourse, culminating in the release of a new book titled Une nuit en France.
Co-authored by prominent figures in journalism and literature—Jean-Michel Décugis, a reporter specializing in police and justice for Le Parisien; Marc Leplongeon of L’Équipe; and novelist Pauline Guéna—the book delves into the complex layers of the event and its aftermath. Released on March 19, 2025, Une nuit en France seeks to explore how political narratives and ideological positions have intermixed with the facts surrounding Thomas's death.
The book confronts a web of perceptions that has developed since the incident. While some commentators attempted to downplay the murder as just another violent clash, others raised alarm bells, framing it as indicative of broader societal decay. In interviews promoting their work, the authors asserted that the ideological battleground around Thomas’s murder reflects a dangerous trend: the politicization of tragedy.
“Il convient de dire que des menaces de mort ont été prononcées contre le coauteur Jean-Michel Décugis,” reported Le Parisien, indicating how the authors have become targets of vitriol after shedding light on the incident. Since the book’s release, they have been subjected to extensive backlash, with their integrity being called into question by various media outlets. Alarmingly, this backlash has escalated to threats against their safety, a situation that the authors have taken seriously, stating that they are considering legal action.
“Depuis plusieurs jours, les auteurs, le livre et l’éditeur sont calomniés par certains médias,” the publisher Éditions Grasset declared in response to the ongoing controversy. This statement underscores the severity of the attacks they’ve faced, often fueled by misinformation and outrage directed at their portrayal of the murder and its implications.
The social reaction to Thomas’s murder had revealed a sharp divide in French society. On one hand, some factions labeled the event as a symptom of what they termed a 'francocide,' a term suggested by critics who argue that it signifies an uprising against the traditional values upheld in French culture. Meanwhile, others have criticized this perspective, arguing that it dismisses the realities of violence that extend beyond racial or ethnic lines.
Drawing on a mix of personal accounts, media reports, and political commentary, the book provides a panoramic view of the incident and invites readers to question the narratives that have formed in its wake. It highlights how leftist commentators have described the incident merely as a “rixe” (a brawl), while right-wing responses amplified fears of a more profound societal decline.
As Thomas's tragic story continues to resonate, the authors of Une nuit en France find themselves at the center of a storm that reflects the ongoing struggle to navigate complex societal issues in France. The very act of publishing their findings has not only reignited discussions about racial and cultural tensions in France but also raised concerns about freedom of expression and the safety of those who dare to challenge prevailing narratives.
The question now remains: can France find a path toward genuine dialogue about crime, culture, and identity, or will the debates around Thomas’s murder remain locked in a cycle of anger and division?
