Matthieu Delormeau, the former host of the popular French talk show 'Touche pas à mon poste!', found himself embroiled in controversy once again when he was arrested on February 25, 2025. The 50-year-old television personality was caught red-handed purchasing two grams of cocaine on Rue du Dragon, located within the upscale Sixth arrondissement of Paris. During the operation, which was conducted by the Brigade anticriminalité (BAC), Delormeau was stopped by authorities who were tracking drug dealers.
According to Paris Match, police observed Delormeau during the transaction, which occurred under their watchful eye. Following his arrest, he was briefly taken to a police station for questioning, and shortly thereafter, his custody was lifted. The public prosecutor’s office announced, "The custody has been lifted, and he will be notified of a fine by criminal order," highlighting the legal ramifications of his actions.
This incident is not Delormeau's first brush with the law concerning substance use. Going back to July 2024, he was subjected to a therapeutic injunction after being discovered purchasing cocaine just outside his home. During this earlier incident, police conducted a search of his residence, which led to the discovery of smaller quantities of various drugs, including cannabis, GHB, MDMA, and cocaine. Delormeau expressed during the hearing, "I had found this drug… upon arriving at TPMP. It was sporadic, it was twice a year, it was recreational. After, everything spiraled out of control for everyone."
His attempts to tackle his drug issues were characterized by earnestness, as Delormeau previously mentioned, "I wanted to stop and get treatment," alluding to his struggles with substance abuse. Unfortunately, this recent arrest suggests he is still grappling with these challenges.
The timing of Delormeau's arrest coincides with the French government's ramped-up efforts to combat the drug trade. Earlier this month, Interior Minister Bruno Retailleau initiated what is being dubbed an "electroshock" campaign aimed at consumers of illegal drugs. Retailleau stated this initiative is not merely about raising awareness; it carries the message of accountability, asserting, "Each day, people pay the price for the drugs you buy." This emphasis on responsibility seeks to resonate with the public and discourage drug consumption.
The government has been aggressive about tackling the drug problem, promoting this campaign through visuals intended to shock viewers—a strategy reminiscent of past road safety campaigns featuring stark imagery coupled with warnings. Their aim is to discourage drug use by driving home the severe consequences of substance abuse.
Delormeau's career path has seen quite the evolution. Once regarded as the charming face of 'Touche pas à mon poste!' alongside Cyril Hanouna for seven years, he eventually departed the show in May 2023, leaving behind the public eye, only to surface again amid scandal. His dual roles as entertainer and subject of media scrutiny place him at the intersection of celebrity and controversy, often igniting discussions about substance use and the pressures of fame.
The relationship between the entertainment world and drug culture has been highlighted repeatedly, with recent incidents of other personalities facing similar fates, drawing troubling parallels. Following incidents involving figures like Pierre Palmade and Christophe Dechavanne, Delormeau's situation reiterates the challenges faced by many within the industry and raises questions about the support systems available to stars battling substance abuse.
With Delormeau, the narrative continues as he faces another round of legal issues and public concern related to drug use. This latest episode may have lasting effects on his career as he navigates these tumultuous waters. Time will tell how this arrest may redefine his public persona and professional future.