Matthieu Delormeau, the former host of the popular French television show "Touche Pas à Mon Poste," has once again found himself at the center of controversy following his second arrest for cocaine possession. On the evening of February 25, 2025, Delormeau was apprehended by police in the VIe arrondissement of Paris, where he was caught buying two grams of cocaine from a dealer being monitored by officers from the Brigade Anticriminalité (BAC).
According to reports from Paris Match and Le Parisien, the police had been surveilling the dealer when they observed the transaction between Delormeau and the suspect. After the deal was completed, both men were arrested, and Delormeau was placed in police custody at the central police station. Following his arrest, he was released after just a few hours.
The Paris prosecutor’s office later confirmed to the media, "La garde à vue a été levée, et l’intéressé se verra notifier une amende par ordonnance pénale," which translates to, "The police custody has been lifted, and the individual will be notified of a fine by penal order." This suggests he will face legal penalties but not jail time.
This latest incident is not Delormeau's first brush with the law. Back in July 2024, he found himself facing similar charges when he was also arrested for attempting to buy cocaine. During this earlier incident, authorities conducted a search of his home, leading to the discovery of additional drugs, including cannabis, MDMA, and GHB. Following the July arrest, Delormeau received what is known as a therapeutic injunction—a legal measure aimed at providing treatment for drug users rather than imposing severe punishments.
At the time of his previous arrest, Delormeau reportedly told investigators, "C’était sporadique, deux fois par an, c’était récréatif. Après, tout est parti en catastrophe," meaning, "It was sporadic, two times a year, it was recreational. After, everything went downhill." These statements reflect his acknowledgment of his struggles with substance abuse.
The repercussions of Delormeau's actions resonate far beyond legal troubles; they also affect his standing within the French television industry, where he was once regarded as a prominent figure. Many are questioning the viability of his career moving forward, especially after two arrests for similar offenses. With Delormeau's 51st birthday approaching on March 5, speculation is swirling about his future at notable media outlets like NRJ12 and C8, both of which have faced fallout from his repeated scandals.
Fans and critics alike are left wondering how this latest episode will impact the television community. Will networks continue to support his work, or will they sever ties with the figure who has marked the history of their channels? With no public comments from Delormeau himself on this issue, the situation remains clouded by uncertainty.
While some may view Delormeau’s situation with sympathy, others may critique his actions as irresponsible, particularly for someone who has previously expressed a desire to overcome his addiction. This duality of perception reflects the broader challenges faced by public figures dealing with personal demons, as society grapples with issues of addiction, accountability, and redemption.
Delormeau’s future remains tenuous as he navigates the legal system and attempts to regain his footing both personally and professionally. The therapeutic program he entered after his first arrest could play a significant role in determining his path moving forward, assuming he fully commits to the treatment and heals from these past events.
Only time will tell how this situation will evolve and what it means for Matthieu Delormeau’s legacy. Regardless of the outcome, it serves as a cautionary tale about the impact of substance abuse on life and career, particularly for those at the forefront of public life.