In response to the criticism and racist attacks suffered by Aya Nakamura, who could sing at the opening ceremony of the Paris Olympics, Rachida Dati, the Minister of Culture, has firmly defended her. “Beware of pretexts for attacking someone out of pure racism,” she warned during a Senate hearing. This clarification comes after voices, mainly from political extremists, were raised against the participation of the French singer of Malian origin.
The announcement, not even yet confirmed, of Nakamura’s presence has sparked a wave of hostile reactions, marked by violent criticism, even insults, including from some political leaders. In response, Ms. Dati reminded that “attacking an artist for what she is, is unacceptable. It’s a crime.” She highlighted the importance of artistic freedom and reminded of Nakamura’s global success, a symbol of French soft power.
The numerous supporters of the famous singer did not wait to show their support, coming from both the artistic world and officials, highlighting the variety of French culture. Thomas Jolly, in charge of staging the opening ceremony of the Olympics, promised an event celebrating “the beauty and richness of its diversity.” As for Nakamura’s lawyer, he mentioned the possibility of legal action in response to this controversy, which he considers “unworthy.”
The singer, for her part, thanked her supporters on social networks, showing, with her unique prose, irony and resilience in the face of attacks. This case highlights a worrying climate of intolerance at the moment in the West, particularly on social networks. Let’s remember that racism in all its forms remains a crime severely punished by law.
