Credits: Jérémy Kergourlay (User:Kergourlay on Wikimedia Commons) / Wikimedia Commons — CC BY-SA 4.0.
Ebony, finalist of the 12th season of Star Academy, is a French singer of Martinican and Guadeloupean origin, only 20 years old. Daughter of zouk singer Thierry Cham, she made her mark thanks to a powerful voice, a presence, and natural charisma. But her journey, which should have been marked by celebration of her talent, has been tainted by an outpouring of racist and sexist hate on social media.
For several weeks, Ebony has been the target of vile attacks: comparisons to apes, calls to vote against her, and conspiratorial insinuations about her origins or behavior. These vile remarks, often anonymous, are part of a broader phenomenon of blatant racism and pure hatred, amplified by social networks.
History Of Laws Against Racism In France
Racism is not new. In France, the fight against racial discrimination has been enshrined in law for decades. The Pleven Law of 1972 was a key step, penalizing insults and incitement to racial hatred. Since then, the legal framework has continued to evolve, notably with the creation of the National Consultative Commission on Human Rights (CNCDH) and the Gayssot Law of 1990, which prohibits the denial of crimes against humanity.
In 2018, a turning point came with the law against online hate, which aims to hold digital platforms accountable. These measures are meant to protect individuals, but their implementation remains imperfect. Ebony’s case is a sad illustration.
A Wave Of Hate: Racism And "Misogynoir"
The attacks on Ebony fall under what researcher Moya Bailey calls misogynoir, a specific form of misogyny directed at Black women. These violences manifest as criticism of her appearance, sexual insinuations, and some of the most dehumanizing racist remarks.
For example, messages comparing her to apes or suggesting that her father "bought" her place in the final express abject racism. These remarks are not isolated: they reflect an overall online climate where racialized people are constantly questioned when they reach visible positions.
Mobilization Against Racism
In response, associations like SOS Racisme and La Maison des potes reacted quickly. They filed complaints for online harassment and incitement to hatred. The Paris prosecutor’s office opened an investigation entrusted to the Central Office for Combating Hate Crimes. Production company Endemol and broadcaster TF1 also condemned these attacks, promising appropriate legal action.
Public support multiplied. A petition titled “Stop the Normalization of Racism Against Ebony” collected more than 5,000 signatures. Online fundraisers were created to help finance votes in her favor during the final.
A Message Of Hope And Resilience
Ebony, despite her isolation from the outside world due to the show’s rules, wanted to send a strong message to young Black girls: “Be proud of your skin color and your origins.” This speech, broadcast during a live show, resonated far beyond the Star Academy audience. It underscores the importance of breaking stereotypes and of fighting hateful speech with dignity.
Her journey also highlights the hypocrisy of a certain media industry that celebrates diversity on screen while remaining unable to effectively protect its known faces from vile racist attacks.
The Amplifying Role Of Social Networks
Social networks, by offering a platform for profit to extremist discourse, now play a central role in spreading hate. Anonymity, combined with algorithms that favor controversial content, creates fertile ground for movements that profit from racism and incitement to discrimination.
Researchers like Marie-France Malonga, a media sociologist, emphasize that these platforms reinforce existing cultural biases. Ebony, through her confident demeanor and evident talent, departs from historical stereotypes associated with women of color. That triggers an even more violent rejection from some internet users.
A Collective Awakening Is Necessary
The Ebony Star Academy controversy once again illustrates the limits of current measures to combat online racism. Laws exist, but their enforcement remains insufficient in the face of the scale of digital phenomena. It is essential to strengthen sanctions and continue educating the public about the dangers of online harassment.
Ebony and many other victims of this mediocrity continue to embody a voice of hope. She symbolizes a generation that refuses to be silenced. Her message, relayed by thousands of supporters, goes beyond entertainment. It invites us to reflect on our values and on the fight for a truly equal — and therefore better — society.
We remind you that racism has no place on television or elsewhere, and that it is a scourge.