French actress Muriel Robin has recently found herself at the center of controversy following her abrupt departure from the Amazon Prime show LOL: Qui rit sort !. On April 18, 2025, it was reported that Robin would engage in legal proceedings stemming from the incident, which has stirred significant public interest.
In October 2024, news leaked that Robin had left the casting of the show before the end of recording, sparking speculation about the reasons behind her exit. During an appearance on the France 5 program C à Vous, she revealed that she felt overwhelmed by emotions and believed she was not funny enough to continue. "An indication made me think that I wasn't funny enough... And since I lack self-confidence, I left before bursting into tears," she explained, clarifying that the production team had managed the situation well.
However, according to reports from Télé-Loisirs, Robin's departure was not as straightforward as it seemed. She allegedly left the set after being denied the opportunity to play her joker card at a critical moment. This refusal reportedly led her to provoke her own elimination by laughing openly in front of the camera, a move that raised eyebrows among her colleagues and fans alike.
Despite the drama surrounding her exit, Robin is still featured in the new season of LOL: Qui rit sort !, which premiered on April 18, 2025. The first episodes are now available for streaming on Amazon Prime, and viewers can see her alongside fellow contestants such as Camille Chamoux, Artus, Fred Testot, Jérôme Niel, and Marina Rollman. The cast members have spoken out in support of Robin, with Fatou Guinea praising her humility and fun spirit. "I really enjoyed Muriel! There was a hiccup, but she came to see everyone; she is humble, sunny, and fun to be around," Guinea stated during her appearance on C à Vous.
This recent controversy is not the first time Robin's behavior on set has been called into question. In the past, she faced challenges while filming Les Couloirs du temps: Les Visiteurs 2, where she replaced the acclaimed actress Valérie Lemercier in the role of Béatrice. Director Jean-Marie Poiré, who worked with Robin on this project, described her as "absolutely adorable" yet "very cyclothymic," indicating that her mood could shift dramatically from one day to the next. He noted, "She is very happy one day, the next day she is unhappy, she is adorable, she is odious." This unpredictable nature made her a complex presence on set.
Robin's predecessor, Lemercier, had her own struggles during the filming of the first Les Visiteurs film, citing a lack of support from Poiré as a reason for her unhappiness. In a candid moment, Lemercier expressed her frustrations, stating, "Jean-Marie Poiré was not happy; he would come to see me in the evening to tell me, 'You are not funny.'" This dissatisfaction led her to decline returning for the sequel, paving the way for Robin to step into the role.
The transition from Lemercier to Robin was not seamless, as audiences and critics alike had high expectations. Poiré acknowledged the difficulties Robin faced, saying, "People were very disappointed that Valérie was not doing the film; I think she suffered from that. So, they said, 'Muriel Robin is not good,' but that is not true! Muriel Robin is very good in this role. If she had played the first one, it would have gone over smoothly, and everyone would have said, 'She is wonderful.'" This sentiment highlights the challenges actors face when stepping into roles previously held by beloved performers.
As the public awaits the unfolding of Robin's legal situation and the reception of the new season of LOL: Qui rit sort !, the actress's career remains under scrutiny. The reactions from her peers indicate a mix of support and concern, as they navigate the complexities of reality television and the pressures of public perception. With the first episodes now available, fans can witness Robin's journey and the dynamics among the cast, which may shed light on her controversial exit.
In an industry where public opinion can shift rapidly, Robin's story serves as a reminder of the emotional toll that comes with fame and the challenges of living up to the expectations of both producers and audiences. As she embarks on this new chapter, her resilience will undoubtedly be tested, and the outcome of her legal actions may further impact her career trajectory.
