Zaho de Sagazan, a rising voice in French music, publicly addressed Emmanuel Macron regarding the conflict in Gaza. In an open letter shared on July 26, 2025, on Instagram, the artist denounces the use of her music. Indeed, she criticizes its use in the president’s political communication without concrete action. Some voices label this inaction as complicity with the genocide in Gaza. This stance revives an old debate about the role of artists in society. Furthermore, it questions their independence from political power.
An Artistic Commitment at the Heart of Public Debate
The approach of Zaho de Sagazan is part of a tradition of engaged French artists, where artistic creation becomes a vehicle for social and political protest. Thus, she joins historical voices such as Jean-Paul Sartre, Simone Signoret, and more recently Juliette Binoche and Catherine Deneuve, who have marked public debate with their positions. Many international personalities today demand the immediate end of violence in Gaza, openly mentioning a risk of genocide in Palestine.
In her message to Emmanuel Macron, the singer firmly states: “Do not decorate your communication with my songs if, on the other hand, you allow a massacre to happen.” For her, the artist cannot remain neutral in the face of injustice. She recalls the dire situation in Gaza, describing the Palestinians as a people “bombed, starved, displaced, humiliated by the Israeli government, currently led by a far-right coalition.” However, she also unequivocally condemns the “atrocious crimes” committed by Hamas on October 7, 2023, stating that nothing justifies violence.
Nuanced Reaction from President Emmanuel Macron
President Emmanuel Macron responded the next day with an Instagram post. He assures that he has heard the artist’s concerns. Moreover, he reaffirms that “nothing can justify indifference to the collapse of a people.” He also clarifies France’s position, indicating that it “provides no military aid, neither direct nor indirect, to operations conducted by the Israeli army in Gaza.” However, he acknowledges that “what we are doing collectively is not enough.” He calls for a cessation of violence. Additionally, he requests the immediate opening of humanitarian corridors.
Historically, Emmanuel Macron‘s positions on the Israeli-Palestinian conflict have sparked controversy. His relationship with Benjamin Netanyahu has often been criticized by those who feel it lacks balance in favor of the Palestinians. Although the French president has often mentioned the necessary recognition of the Palestinian state, some political commentators remain skeptical. Indeed, they consider his statements insufficiently followed by concrete actions. The expressions “Macron Israel” and “Macron Gaza” frequently appear on the internet and social networks. They highlight the pressing expectations towards the head of state.
Growing Mobilization of the Artistic World
The artistic mobilization around the Israeli-Palestinian conflict is intensifying. Artists like Mark Ruffalo, Jim Jarmusch, and Juliette Binoche, united under the collective Artists4Ceasefire, denounce the stalemate of the conflict and warn about what some NGOs and political commentators now openly call a genocide in Palestine. Zaho de Sagazan actively participates in this mobilization, notably through charity concerts such as the one organized at La Cigale in July 2024.
Zaho de Sagazan: Journey of an Engaged Artist
Born in 1999 in Saint-Nazaire, Zaho de Sagazan grew up in an artistic environment. Her father, Olivier de Sagazan, is a renowned painter, and her mother is a teacher. Her first album, La Symphonie des éclairs, earned her four Victoires de la musique in 2024. She then collaborated with Jean-Michel Jarre and participated in major events. For example, she attended the opening of the Cannes Film Festival. She also stood out at the closing ceremony of the Paris Olympic Games. An openly queer artist, she advocates for a sensitive and committed approach to musical creation.
A Necessary Debate on Artistic Independence
Zaho de Sagazan‘s address to Emmanuel Macron revives the debate on the independence of artists from political power. This exchange also highlights the frequent ambiguity of the political use of culture. Historically, other artists have protested against the use of their work by governments. Thus, it reminds us of the importance of preserving the independent voice of creators.
Towards a Constructive Dialogue?
This episode illustrates the strong expectations towards political leaders and the limits of symbolic responses. The terms “genocide Gaza” and “Macron Netanyahu” will undoubtedly continue to fuel discussions in the weeks to come. In the meantime, Zaho de Sagazan‘s bold gesture will have at least reopened an essential debate on the place of the artist and their responsibility in the face of major humanitarian crises.