Key facts
- France Télévisions removed the replay of "La Grande Librairie" after actress Adèle Haenel's remarks.
- Haenel accused Israel of committing genocide in Palestine and France of complicity.
- The broadcaster stated the replay was removed because Haenel's remarks lacked an opposing viewpoint.
- Haenel made the comments during a closing segment designed for guests to read a prepared text without interruption.
- The incident has sparked a debate in France over free speech and media responsibility.
French public broadcaster France Télévisions has removed the online replay of an episode of its program "La Grande Librairie" after actress Adèle Haenel used a segment to accuse Israel of committing genocide in Palestine and France of complicity.
Haenel, a prominent figure in France's MeToo movement, made the remarks on September 9 during the France 5 broadcast. The comments, which lasted about a minute, were made during a closing segment where guests are invited to read a personal text without interruption. Haenel called for sanctions against Israel and the liberation of Palestine.
France Télévisions stated that the replay was removed because Haenel's remarks were not balanced by an opposing viewpoint during the program. The broadcaster took the episode down from its streaming platform the following day.
The decision has ignited a debate in France. Conservative and far-right figures criticized Haenel's statements, with some labeling them as antisemitic. Conversely, politicians from the left-wing France Unbowed party condemned the removal of the episode, with MP Danielle Obono calling it a "scandal" and urging people to share the clip online.
Haenel, who appeared on the show to promote her book on sexual violence, responded via Instagram, suggesting the broadcaster's action supported her argument that certain voices, particularly concerning Palestine, are being silenced in public discourse.
The controversy occurs amid broader discussions in France about restrictions on pro-Palestine speech, with activists reporting instances of censorship and political pressure.