In a surprising turn of events, Sébastien Cauet, a prominent figure in French radio, makes his much-anticipated return to the airwaves on Europe 2 on April 28, 2025, despite facing serious allegations of rape and sexual assault. This comeback, which coincides with his 53rd birthday, has ignited a heated debate about the implications of allowing a public figure under investigation to reclaim their platform.
Cauet, who previously hosted a daily four-hour live show, was ousted from NRJ in November 2023 following the emergence of rape allegations on social media. The accusations led to the filing of four formal complaints against him, resulting in a preliminary investigation that has placed him under formal investigation by French authorities.
His return to Europe 2, a station owned by the Lagardère group, is seen as a bold move aimed at revitalizing the station's declining audience. However, it raises ethical questions about the responsibility of media outlets in light of serious allegations against their hosts. "This return is a gamble for the station, but it could also redefine his career," said a media analyst.
In late 2023, allegations surfaced when a 25-year-old woman accused Cauet of raping her in 2014 and 2022, claiming that he forced her into oral sex at the age of 16 while in a Geneva hotel. She described him as "someone dangerous" and expressed her fear in an interview, stating, "He is someone who has no fear." Cauet has vehemently denied these accusations, labeling them as "not only ignominious but also false."
As the controversy surrounding him grew, NRJ decided to terminate his contract, marking the end of a long-standing career that had made him a household name in French media. Despite this, Europe 2 has opted to give him a second chance, a decision that has polarized public opinion.
Critics of Europe 2's decision argue that it sends a troubling message about accountability in the media industry. Caroline Barel, vice-president of the MeTooMedia association, condemned the move, stating, "It is the era of predators that has just rung. Europe 2 must take responsibility and protect its employees from sexual harassment."
In a recent interview, Cauet was defensive when questioned about his legal issues, expressing frustration at being asked about them just days before his return. "If that's what the interview is about, I won't do it..." he remarked, before ultimately deciding to address the topic, stating, "I let justice do its work, in its own timing, which is not ours, hoping that all this will be cleared up as quickly as possible."
The legal situation is complex; Cauet has been placed under judicial supervision, which prohibits him from hosting shows with a live audience. This restriction has raised further questions about the implications of his return and the potential backlash Europe 2 might face.
Supporters of Cauet argue that he deserves the presumption of innocence until proven guilty, emphasizing that a formal accusation does not equate to guilt. His lawyer, Me Jade Dousselin, echoed this sentiment, stating, "The voice on the file should be reserved for his judges, who have not yet heard him on the merits. We will provide elements that will show that the facts are not those reported in the media."
The return of Cauet to the airwaves is a significant moment in the ongoing conversation about how society treats public figures accused of serious crimes. The media landscape is increasingly scrutinized for how it handles such controversies, particularly in the wake of movements like #MeToo.
As Cauet prepares to take over the morning show at Europe 2 from 7 a.m. to 11 a.m., the station faces a dual challenge: to boost its audience while managing the fallout from his controversial return. The stakes are high, and the implications of this decision could resonate far beyond the airwaves.
In the court of public opinion, the debate rages on. For some, Cauet's return is seen as an act of defiance against the allegations, while others view it as a troubling endorsement of a figure embroiled in serious accusations. The social media landscape has become a battleground for supporters and detractors alike, illustrating the complexities of modern public discourse.
As the dust settles on this high-profile return, one thing is certain: the conversation surrounding Cauet and his allegations will continue to evolve, reflecting broader societal attitudes towards accountability, justice, and the role of media in shaping public perception.
Whether this comeback will mark a new chapter in Cauet's career or lead to further controversy remains to be seen. As listeners tune in to Europe 2, they do so with a mix of curiosity and concern, questioning what this means for the future of media ethics and the treatment of individuals accused of serious crimes.
In the end, the question remains: can a public figure truly separate their professional identity from their personal controversies? As the microphone is turned on once more, all eyes will be on Sébastien Cauet and the unfolding narrative of his return to the spotlight.
