On May 6, 2025, Laurent Baffie appeared on the show "C à vous" to address his earlier apologies regarding inappropriate jokes made during his tenure on "Tout le monde en parle" alongside Thierry Ardisson from 2000 to 2006. This appearance came after Baffie had expressed his regrets on April 12, 2025, during an episode of "Quelle époque!" where he acknowledged that his humor reflected an era that was more sexist and ignorant.
During his apology, Baffie stated, "I regret having hurt people" and explained that his past jokes were a product of a time when such humor was more acceptable. His comments sparked a response from Ardisson, who distanced himself from Baffie's apologies just three days later, stating, "It's his problem, I don't apologize... I'm neither ignorant nor machist. If he was ignorant and machist, that's his problem; he doesn't have to drag me into it." This public disagreement set the stage for further discussions on the topic.
On the following episode of "C à vous," Baffie clarified his earlier comments, asserting that he did not mean to implicate Ardisson when he referred to a collective past of sexism and ignorance. "I didn’t change my humor; I’m not erasing the past. I don’t spit in the soup... I said 'we,' but it was a generic 'we,'" he explained, adding that he had been well-compensated for his work on the show.
Despite the tensions, Baffie expressed pride in his career, stating, "I don’t regret everything! I’m proud to have..." His comments drew mixed reactions, particularly from Laurent Ruquier, who was also present on the show. Ruquier criticized Baffie for apologizing to Ardisson, highlighting the irony given Ardisson's own history of making disparaging remarks about others.
In a separate but related development, Thierry Ardisson released his new book titled "L'homme en noir" on May 7, 2025. This book celebrates his 40-year career and offers a blend of memoir and fiction, featuring the characters from his life as if they were guests on a talk show. While promoting the book on "C à vous," Ardisson reflected on his career and expressed regret over missed opportunities to interview significant figures like Jesus and Princess Diana. "I would have loved to interview Lady Di because I began by saying that being the Princess of Wales was a calling... she was a victim, and I don’t even know if they didn’t kill her in the end," he remarked, emphasizing the tragic treatment Diana received throughout her life.
Ardisson's book, which he described as a unique format that allows for creative storytelling, also touches on his personal experiences, including his feelings of not belonging within his family. He stated, "What’s wonderful about a fictional show that you imagine is that anything is possible." This innovative approach has garnered attention, as it offers readers a glimpse into his life while allowing for imaginative reinterpretation.
During his appearance on "C à vous," Ardisson addressed the recent controversy surrounding Baffie's apologies. He noted that while Baffie had something to atone for, he felt that Baffie’s remarks about their past were misplaced. Ardisson emphasized, "You speak for yourself; I am not ignorant or machist. I am Thierry Ardisson." He concluded by indicating that their dispute was resolved, stating, "The matter is closed."
Additionally, Ardisson humorously remarked on Ruquier's previous comments about him being unkind. He acknowledged his tendency to make jokes at the expense of others, saying, "I cannot help but say bad things, but I also make jokes about people." He even teased Ruquier by referencing a supposed revelation in Ruquier's own book, joking, "I went to buy your book this morning because I was very interested because there’s a huge scoop in your book. He’s homosexual!"
As the discussions unfolded, it became clear that the relationship between Baffie and Ardisson was complex, shaped by years of collaboration and rivalry. The public nature of their exchanges has drawn significant media attention, reflecting broader societal conversations about accountability, humor, and the evolving standards of what is considered acceptable in entertainment.
In the backdrop of these events, the release of autobiographies by prominent television figures, including Ardisson and Laurent Ruquier, has sparked a renewed interest in the personal narratives behind their public personas. Each of these books aims to address past traumas, rectify public images, and share intimate details often left unsaid during their television careers.
As these personalities navigate their legacies, it remains to be seen how their reflections on the past will influence future dialogues about humor, accountability, and the evolution of societal norms in the entertainment industry. The ongoing discussions around Baffie’s and Ardisson’s comments highlight the delicate balance between personal accountability and the cultural context in which humor is created.
Ultimately, as Ardisson and Baffie continue to engage with their audiences, they are not just reflecting on their pasts but also shaping the narrative around what it means to be a comedian in today’s world—where sensitivity and humor often collide in unexpected ways.
