Controversy at Star Academy: TF1 Responds to the Racist Outburst

Ebony and Marine embrace on the set of the Star Academy finale

Ebony, finalist of the 12th season of Star Academy, is a French singer of Martiniquais and Guadeloupean origin, only 20 years old. Daughter of zouk singer Thierry Cham, she has made her mark thanks to a powerful voice, a presence, and natural charisma. But her journey, which should have been marked by the celebration of her talent, has been marred by a wave of racist and sexist hate on social media.

For several weeks, Ebony has been the target of vile attacks: comparisons to monkeys, 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 crude racism and pure hatred, amplified by social media.

The two finalists united on stage, hand in hand, illustrate a true sisterhood in the face of attacks
The two finalists united on stage, hand in hand, illustrate a true sisterhood in the face of attacks

History of Anti-Racism Laws 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 crucial step, punishing insults and incitements 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 was reached with the law against online hate, which aims to hold digital platforms accountable. These measures are supposed to protect individuals, but their implementation remains imperfect. Ebony’s case is a sad illustration of this.

A Wave of Hate: Racism and "Misogynoir"

The attacks against Ebony fall under what researcher Moya Bailey calls misogynoir, a specific form of misogyny directed against Black women. These violences manifest through criticisms of her appearance, sexual insinuations, and the most dehumanizing racist remarks.

Ebony, radiant in a black dress, and Marine, dazzling in a silver outfit, delivered a performance that matched their talent. It was an evening where the music shone, despite external controversies. TF1 praised their courage and determination
Ebony, radiant in a black dress, and Marine, dazzling in a silver outfit, delivered a performance that matched their talent. It was an evening where the music shone, despite external controversies. TF1 praised their courage and determination

For example, messages comparing her to monkeys or suggesting that her father "bought" her place in the final reflect abject racism. These remarks are not isolated: they reflect a global climate on the internet where racialized people are constantly questioned when they reach visible positions.

Mobilization Against Racism

In response to this situation, associations like SOS Racisme and La Maison des potes quickly reacted. They filed complaints for online harassment and incitement to hatred. The Paris prosecutor’s office opened an investigation entrusted to the Central Office for the Fight Against Hate Crimes. The production company Endemol and the channel TF1 also condemned these attacks, promising appropriate legal action.

Public support has multiplied. A petition titled “Stop the Trivialized Racism Against Ebony” has gathered more than 5,000 signatures. Online fundraisers have been 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, wished to send a strong message to young Black girls: “Be proud of your skin color and your origins.” This speech, broadcast during a prime time, resonated far beyond the audience of Star Academy. It reminds us of the importance of breaking stereotypes and dignifiedly combating hateful discourse.

Her journey also highlights the hypocrisy of a certain media society, which celebrates diversity on screen while remaining unable to effectively protect its known faces from vile racist attacks.

The Amplifying Role of Social Media

Social media, by offering a platform for extremist discourse out of mercantilism, plays a central role today in the spread of hate. Anonymity, combined with algorithms favoring controversial content, creates fertile ground for movements that profit from racism and incitement to discrimination.

A memorable duo during the grand finale of Star Academy. Marine and Ebony joined their voices on an emotional song, reminding us that music can transcend differences. A moment that moved the audience, despite the shadow of hateful online criticism
A memorable duo during the grand finale of Star Academy. Marine and Ebony joined their voices on an emotional song, reminding us that music can transcend differences. A moment that moved the audience, despite the shadow of hateful online criticism

Researchers like Marie-France Malonga, a media sociologist, point out that these platforms reinforce existing cultural biases. Ebony, with her confident attitude and evident talent, deviates from the historical stereotypes associated with so-called women of color. This triggers even more violent rejection from some internet users.

A Necessary Collective Awareness

The Ebony Star Academy controversy once again illustrates the limits of current mechanisms to combat online racism. The laws exist, but their application remains insufficient in the face of the scale of digital phenomena. It is essential to strengthen sanctions and further educate the public on the dangers of online harassment.

Ebony and many other victims of 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 the boundaries of entertainment. It invites us to reflect on our values and the fight for a truly equal and therefore better society.

We remind that racism has no place on television or elsewhere, and it is a scourge.

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