Nathalie Saint-Cricq, known for her prominent role at France 2, has shared rare insights about her relationship with her son, Benjamin Duhamel, who has made quite the splash on BFMTV. The two may be separated by different channels, but their close bond extends beyond professional rivalry and touches upon personal values, especially when it concerns politics.
During the January 25 edition of On refait la télé on RTL, Saint-Cricq humorously tackled various aspects of her and her son’s careers, including differences in their political beliefs. “He believes he is much more progressive than I am. But we don’t fight. We sometimes have different views on politics, which we discuss at home,” she stated. Their occasional debates offer them not just family time but also engagement on politically charged topics, bridging generational gaps between mother and son.
The dynamic between the two is not just limited to discussions; it extends to critiques as well. Nathalie candidly admitted, “I watch him on BFMTV with pride. But when there are things about his presentation or approach I find annoying, I tell him.” She often gives him advice post-emission about how he can adjust his style, highlighting her ultimate desire for her son to succeed. “Sometimes I say to him, ‘Be careful, you are speaking too aggressively. You talk too fast.’ Initially, he might brush off my comments, but later he sees I might have a point,” she noted, indicating the delicate balance of their relationship as both mentor and parent.
Interestingly, the conversation also turns down the path of salaries, bringing to light the financial disparities between them. After previously stating on RTL about her own earnings being around €5,789 net per month—inclusive of holiday pay—Saint-Cricq quipped about her son’s lucrative salary. “My son earns much more than I do. But it’s fine; he will pay for my nice retirement home,” she joked, illustrating not only her pride but also her acceptance of the financial realities of their respective careers.
Nathalie pointed out the misconceptions surrounding the earnings of public media employees, often compared unfavorably to private sector earnings. “Sometimes people confuse roles. I had someone at the station ask me, ‘But you take the train?’ I said, ‘Of course, I don’t own a private jet!’” Her candor emphasizes the reality of public journalism, where fame does not equate to wealth.
Despite any discrepancies, Nathalie reiterated how fortunate she feels within her career, acknowledging her significant presence and status within media circles. “We have enormous advantages. Sometimes I notice I might be assisted faster at the hospital, for example. We cannot deny our advantages,” she claimed, blending humility with pride.
Benjamin Duhamel has undoubtedly made strides of his own, quickly becoming one of the main faces of BFMTV, even taking over important time slots and leading popular programs like BFM Politique. The 29-year-old attributes much of his drive and energy to hard work, which has not gone unnoticed by his mother. She conveyed her satisfaction with his work ethic, stating, “I am very happy for him. He doesn’t just settle for easy appearances on TV; he puts effort behind his work.”
Their strong familial connection is evident, as Nathalie takes solace from Benjamin and her other son, Raphaël Duhamel, when facing public criticisms. “Whenever there’s something, my sons let me know. They share the burden. I don't respond personally to denigratory comments online; I engage my lawyer instead,” she disclosed, providing insight on how they support one another against the backdrop of modern cyber harassment.
Both Nathalie and Benjamin have navigated the rigorous world of journalism, shaping their paths under the pressure of public expectation and personal ambition. While they stand on different platforms—one at the venerable France 2 and the other climbing the ranks at BFMTV—their mutual respect and affection are clear. This mother-son duo’s professional interactions contribute substantially to their identity as figures within the media, each with their own narrative yet intertwined by shared experiences and values.
Through candid discussions about salaries, professional roles, and personal beliefs, Nathalie Saint-Cricq and Benjamin Duhamel exemplify the complex layers of familial relationships set against the backdrop of public life. Their story resonates beyond mere journalistic gossip, reflecting on the themes of pride, support, and the reality of being public figures.