On March 18, 2025, the media landscape found itself embroiled in controversy once more as Apolline de Malherbe interviewed Olivier Faure on BFMTV's "Face à Face." This discussion was sparked by a controversial poster featuring Cyril Hanouna, the host of the popular talk show Touche Pas à Mon Poste, which has garnered significant backlash for its perceived ties to antisemitism. During their exchange, Faure sought to clarify the motivations behind the poster released by La France Insoumise, which had recently called for demonstrations. He emphasized that the upcoming protest on March 22 was to be organized by a collective of antiracist associations, dismissing any implication that La France Insoumise itself was involved in promoting antisemitic messages.
"We cannot march on March 22 and display posters that are deeply antisemitic, that replay all the stereotypes," Faure stated. His remarks illustrated a crucial distinction: While Hanouna's comments may be subject to criticism, his identity as a Jewish man should never be a point of contention. Faure labeled the context around the poster as "unacceptable" and "intolerable," calling for respect in dissenting opinions.
The need for accountability was underscored further by Faure's insistence that despite the poster being retracted, no apologies had been issued—an oversight he found particularly regrettable given the party's previous accusations of antisemitism. "I want to understand what goes through the minds of those who currently lead La France Insoumise," he remarked.
On the same day, French investigative outlet Mediapart published a lengthy report highlighting unsettling aspects of Cyril Hanouna's approach to his show, revealing previously unreported behavior. These revelations included accusations of Hanouna being threatening towards his former colleague, Matthieu Delormeau, who left Touche Pas à Mon Poste two years ago. Delormeau's hostile environment on set came to light, with the investigation detailing an incident on February 13, 2023, where Hanouna allegedly threatened Delormeau after the latter did not find a joke amusing.
According to accounts from Mediapart, Hanouna confronted Delormeau with aggressive language, implying physical violence: "When I tell you to calm down, it's calm down. Here, there is a conductor. That's it!" He expressed anger, insinuating he could easily escalate the situation if not for their friendship. "I tell you once, I tell you not twice. If you weren't my friend, I would make you bleed in the street," Hanouna purportedly stated.
Delormeau's response hinted at the emotional strain he was under, stating, "You hit where it hurts all the time. Recall that I am human?" These serious allegations echoed a long-simmering concern about Hanouna's demeanor and managerial style.
In contrast to Faure's emphasis on serious issues like antisemitism and accountability, Hanouna's remarkable transformation from a light-hearted entertainer to a controversial media figure was underscored by the shift in his show's editorial direction. Since around 2019, Hanouna has seemingly recognized fatigue with his earlier program format, which focused on television media and now embraces more ideological discussions. Mediapart's findings revealed operational challenges for Touche Pas à Mon Poste following this change, with reports suggesting that prominent guests have declined to appear on the program due to its evolving narrative, which they perceive as much more charged and less welcoming.
Nevertheless, Mediapart's report suggested an unsettling trend; internal financial documents indicated that the program’s management might have resorted to unconventional practices, including the potential payment of guests to ensure their appearances. Furthermore, large salaries for the show's columnists raised eyebrows, given issues surrounding workplace conditions.
This shift in approach marks a broader trend within the French entertainment industry, where former allies of Hanouna now express discomfort with his more combative style, likely fearing association with a figure known for controversy and explosive tactics. Given the show's decline in prestigious guests, insiders are beginning to question the sustainability of Hanouna's new approach. "When the program was primarily entertainment-based, it was easy to attract artists. Now, with a more ideological slant, they rarely come," remarked a production employee at H2O, Hanouna's production company.
As the allegations mount against Hanouna, including the 36 sanctions imposed by Arcom for various reasons and a conviction for insulting a parliamentary member, the public’s interest in the presenter’s conduct continues to peak. Hanouna continues to respond publicly to claims about his position, stating, "I will defend everything that is antiwoke." This assertion speaks to his commitment to a specific ideological stance that many find alarming.
The questioning of the methods and ethics surrounding Hanouna’s operations raises significant questions about the future of television in France. Can a program predicated on such controversies survive in an environment where accountability and information integrity are paramount? While Hanouna remains a dominant force in media, the evolving landscape may pose challenges ahead.
In summary, March 18, 2025, was a day that plunged several figures into heated discussions surrounding accountability, antisemitism, and the evolving standards of entertainment. As public scrutiny on figures like Cyril Hanouna intensifies, the ripple effects on the broader media landscape remain to be seen.
