Jean-Baptiste Marteau, journalist at France Télévisions, has been the target of homophobic insults and threats since the beginning of the Paris 2024 Olympic Games. On Wednesday, July 31, he spoke out on social media to express his indignation and thank the athletes committed to the LGBT+ cause.
Marteau posted a message on X and Instagram, denouncing the attacks he has been facing since the start of the Olympics. “I don’t talk about it often, but some limits have been crossed. In recent days, I have received numerous homophobic insults and threats on social media. It’s unbearable…”, he stated. He emphasized that even during the Olympic period, the fight against homophobia does not take a break.
Jean-Baptiste Marteau, co-founder of France.tv pour tou·te·s, an association for the inclusion and visibility of minorities, accompanied his message with a rainbow flag against the backdrop of the Olympic rings. The 41-year-old journalist also thanked “all the athletes who are committed to fighting homophobia.”
Faustine Bollaert expressed her affection for Marteau. Jean-Baptiste Marteau, father of a little girl named Colette and recently divorced, had revealed his homosexuality in 2018 on National Coming Out Day.
Jean-Baptiste Marteau is determined to continue his fight against homophobia, which is illegal in France and in an increasing number of countries. He thanked the management of France Télévisions for their support and highlighted the courage of the athletes who publicly address this issue.