On the night of March 8 to March 9, 2025, controversy erupted in Rennes, France, when security personnel from the 1988 Live Club clashed with attendees of an unregistered free party held inside the former Cinéville cinema. Around 1:45 AM, the situation escalated dramatically as videos circulated on social media showing security guards employing tear gas and physically subduing partygoers during the event.
The gathering was reportedly attended by 150 to 200 individuals, many of whom described the evening as celebratory until security arrived. Witnesses have accused the guards, led by Yovan Delourme, known as Le Jarl, of excessive force and intimidation, particularly as they responded to the partygoers, prompting multiple complaints and calls for administrative investigations. Nathalie Appéré, the Mayor of Rennes, called the behavior of the security team “unacceptable” and emphasized the importance of maintaining public order by professional security forces.
Marie Mesmeur, deputy of La France Insoumise, joined the public outcry, demanding immediate investigation by the public prosecutor’s office and advocating for the temporary closure of the 1988 Live Club. A series of videos caught the attention of local residents and authorities, depicting scenes of violence wherein security personnel seemingly acted without provocation, spraying tear gas indiscriminately at close range and restraining individuals with significant force.
The local prefecture has since referred the matter to the Conseil National des Activités Privées de Sécurité (CNAPS), which has committed to conducting comprehensive administrative oversight of the 1988 Live Club's internal security services. If their review determines improper practices, it could lead to the revocation of the club's security licenses.
Following the incident, several complaints were lodged on March 10, including one from Soredic, the owner of the disused Cinéville cinema, who sought justice for the property damage stemming from the raucous gathering. This chaos is not unprecedented; Delourme has previously drawn criticism, being convicted last year for deceptive business practices, which demonstrated problematic elements of his approach to security.
Delourme's controversial stature continues, especially since he is known for his far-right affiliations, including past candidacy as the substitute for Éric Zemmour’s Reconquête party during the legislative elections. His actions have cast shadow over the club’s reputation, leading to artist cancellations, as three days following the incident, several musicians announced their decision to boycott the 1988 Live Club, denouncing the acts of violence by Delourme's security team.
The backdrop of this incident highlights significant tension surrounding the usage of tear gas and aggressive crowd control measures used by private security firms, juxtaposed against state police efforts to maintain order. This collision of public and private enforcement raised questions about accountability and the appropriate handling of unruly situations.
With camera footage from the nearby streets indicating the severe nature of the confrontations, the city of Rennes has pledged to make these recordings available to law enforcement for evidence-gathering. Activists and local groups, such as the Union Pirate student union, insist on the need for reform and accountability for security practices, labeling Delourme’s interventions as part of broader systemic failures within crowd control regulations.
Responding to the mounting pressures, Delourme defended his team’s actions, portraying their response as necessary for public order, claiming he acted only to prevent chaos spilling over from the unauthorized party and acknowledging the limits of his team’s training for such larger-scale disturbances. “We did what we could to contain youths who were out of control and protect our premises,” he stated.
Yet opinions are sharply divided between supporters of the club’s management who advocate for the measures taken against the free party participants and critics who view Delourme's methods as emblematic of excessive authority, particularly from individuals with extreme political leanings.
The dynamic divide will undoubtedly fuel continued discussions not only around the responsibilities of security staff but also about the proper regulations governing gatherings and events within public spaces. Amid calls for protective measures ensuring safety and justice against the backdrop of this unfortunate incident, the path forward remains fraught with complex emotional and legal challenges.
Overall, the repercussions of this incident have sent ripples through the community, with many hoping it leads to tangible changes concerning the management of nightlife and public safety. For now, momentum builds as various stakeholders eagerly await the outcomes of the investigations and potential policy adaptations to prevent similar confrontations from succeeding.