In a surprising turn of events, longtime friends and collaborators Laurent Baffie and Thierry Ardisson have publicly addressed their recent discord, which has captivated audiences and sparked discussions across French media outlets. The tension arose after Baffie expressed regret for past jokes made during their time together on the show Tout le monde en parle, a popular talk show that aired from 2000 to 2006.
On April 12, 2025, during an appearance on the show Quelle Époque!, Baffie admitted to feeling remorseful about some of the jokes he made, which he described as a reflection of an era characterized by sexism and insensitivity. "We were more sexist, machist, and stupid back then," he stated, acknowledging the problematic nature of their humor. This admission did not sit well with Ardisson, who felt unfairly implicated in Baffie's mea culpa.
Ardisson, known for his sharp wit and candid remarks, responded to Baffie's comments in a subsequent interview with La Tribune Dimanche. He expressed his displeasure, stating, "[Laurent Baffie] was earning 10,000 euros a week, and now he comes to criticize us to join the 'good camp'!" He firmly asserted, "I am neither stupid nor machist. If he was stupid and machist, that’s his problem; he shouldn’t drag me into it." This public rebuke set the stage for a tense back-and-forth between the two former collaborators.
Fast forward to May 6, 2025, when Baffie appeared on the talk show C à vous to clarify his earlier statements. He emphasized that his use of the term "we" was not meant to include Ardisson. "I was speaking generically; I wasn’t putting Thierry in that category," he explained. Baffie further defended his past, saying, "I don’t bite the hand that feeds me, especially since I had the chance to invent a job and be well-paid for saying stupid things. It’s the best soup I’ve ever eaten in my life on television!"
During this same episode, Laurent Ruquier, also a prominent figure in French television, chimed in with a hint of sarcasm, noting Ardisson's reputation for making biting remarks about others. "It’s quite something that you apologize to Thierry, who is the first to throw insults around!" Ruquier quipped, highlighting the irony of Baffie’s public apology. Despite the tension, Baffie concluded his segment with a heartfelt message for Ardisson, saying, "Thierry, I love you." This gesture seemed to soften the atmosphere, at least momentarily.
The following day, on May 7, 2025, Ardisson appeared on C à vous and was asked about Baffie’s recent comments. With a more relaxed demeanor, he acknowledged that Baffie had indeed needed to apologize for his earlier remarks. "He had something to be forgiven for because when he went to Léa Salamé, he said we were stupid and machist. I told him, 'Speak for yourself!'" Ardisson stated, reiterating his stance on the matter.
Ardisson then declared that the issue was now resolved, stating, "He made up for it; the matter is closed!" This statement signaled a potential reconciliation between the two, who have been friends and colleagues for over three decades. Their relationship has weathered various storms, but this public spat seemed to attract more attention than usual.
Reflecting on their shared history, it’s clear that both Baffie and Ardisson have played significant roles in shaping French television. Their dynamic, often characterized by sharp humor and provocative commentary, has drawn both praise and criticism over the years. In light of recent social changes and the #MeToo movement, many in the industry are reevaluating past behaviors and attitudes, leading to public apologies and reflections on previously accepted norms.
In December 2017, the AJL (Association des journalistes LGBT+) published a critical report on several French television programs, including Salut les Terriens and Les Terriens du Dimanche, highlighting numerous instances of sexist, racist, or LGBTphobic content. Baffie’s humor, particularly, was scrutinized for being overly focused on non-heterosexual sexuality and for his provocative questioning style. This context adds weight to Baffie’s recent apologies, as he acknowledges the changing landscape of societal expectations regarding humor.
Moreover, during his appearance on Quotidien in March 2025, Baffie had already extended an apology directly to singer Lara Fabian for comments made about her appearance during a 2005 episode of Tout le monde en parle. He stated, "And Lara, if you’re watching, I sincerely apologize and even more, I love you." This acknowledgment of past missteps reflects a broader trend among public figures to take responsibility for their past actions and words.
As Baffie and Ardisson navigate this complex interplay of friendship, public perception, and accountability, their situation serves as a reminder of the evolving nature of comedy and the responsibilities that come with it. The entertainment industry is increasingly scrutinized for its past behaviors, and figures like Baffie and Ardisson are no exception.
Ultimately, while the two have seemingly put this chapter behind them, their journey highlights the importance of reflection and growth in the face of changing societal values. As they continue to engage with their audiences, both comedians must balance their comedic styles with an awareness of the impact their words can have in today’s world.
