French public figures face backlash over political stances

Public figures in France, including athletes like Teddy Riner and Kylian Mbappé, as well as artists and academics, are facing significant backlash following their expressed concerns regarding the potential rise of the Rassemblement National (RN) party.

On the news channel CNews, presenter Pascal Praud announced he would publish a daily list of celebrities who take positions against the RN. This move has been criticized as a “witch hunt” that exposes individuals to online vitriol. Specifically, judo champion Teddy Riner has been the target of intense racist attacks and cyberbullying, prompting the Paris Prosecutor's Office to open an investigation into “public racist insults and cyberbullying.”

In response to these pressures and the perceived intimidation by far-right activists, several intellectuals and public figures have issued a collective statement declaring, “we will not be silent,” asserting their right to speak out against racism, antisemitism, and xenophobia.