Credits: ManoSolo13241324 / Wikimedia Commons — CC0.
Zaho de Sagazan, a rising voice in French pop, has publicly called out Emmanuel Macron over the conflict in Gaza. In an open letter posted on Instagram on July 26, 2025, the artist denounces the use of her music. Indeed, she criticizes its use in the president’s political messaging, with no concrete action. Some voices describe this inaction as complicity in the genocide in Gaza. This stance revives a long-standing debate about the role of artists in society. It also questions their independence from political power.
Artistic Commitment At The Heart Of Public Debate
Zaho de Sagazan’s approach fits into a tradition of politically engaged French artists, where artistic creation becomes a vehicle for social and political protest. In this way, she joins historic voices such as Jean-Paul Sartre, Simone Signoret, and more recently Juliette Binoche and Catherine Deneuve, who have shaped public debate through their positions. Many international figures are now calling for an immediate end to the violence in Gaza, openly citing a risk of genocide in Palestine.
In her message to Emmanuel Macron, the singer states firmly: “Don’t dress up your communications with my songs if, at the same time, you let a massacre happen.” For her, an artist cannot remain neutral in the face of injustice. She recalls the tragic situation in Gaza, describing Palestinians as a people “bombed, starved, displaced, humiliated by the Israeli government, now 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 very next day with an Instagram post. He says he heard the artist’s concerns. In addition, he reaffirms that “nothing can justify indifference in the face of a people’s collapse.” He also clarifies France’s position, saying that it “provides no military assistance, neither directly nor indirectly, to operations carried out by the Israeli army in Gaza.” However, he acknowledges that “what we are doing collectively is not enough.” He calls for an end to the violence. He also calls for 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 believe it lacks balance in favor of the Palestinians. Although the French president has often mentioned the need to recognize the State of Palestine, some political commentators remain skeptical. Indeed, they consider his statements insufficiently followed by concrete action. The phrases “Macron Israel” and “Macron Gaza” come up frequently on the internet and social media. They highlight the pressing expectations placed on the head of state.
Growing Mobilization In The Art World
Artistic mobilization around the Israeli-Palestinian conflict is intensifying. Artists such as Mark Ruffalo, Jim Jarmusch, and Juliette Binoche, united under the collective Artists4Ceasefire, denounce the conflict’s deadlock and warn about what some NGOs and political commentators are now openly calling genocide in Palestine. Zaho de Sagazan is actively taking part in this mobilization, notably through benefit concerts such as the one held at La Cigale in July 2024.
Zaho de Sagazan: The Journey Of A Committed Artist
Born in 1999 in Saint-Nazaire, Zaho de Sagazan grew up in an artistic environment. Her father, Olivier de Sagazan, is a well-known painter, and her mother is a teacher. Her debut album, La Symphonie des éclairs, earned her four Victoires de la musique awards in 2024. She later collaborated with Jean-Michel Jarre and took part 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 champions a sensitive and engaged approach to music creation.
A Necessary Debate On Artistic Independence
Zaho de Sagazan’s challenge to Emmanuel Macron reignites the debate over artists’ independence from political power. This exchange also highlights the frequent ambiguity of the political use of culture. Historically, other artists have protested the use of their work by governments. In this way, it recalls the importance of preserving creators’ independent voice.
Toward Constructive Dialogue?
This episode illustrates the high expectations placed on political leaders and the limits of symbolic responses. The terms “genocide Gaza” and “Macron Netanyahu” will likely continue to fuel discussion in the weeks ahead. In the meantime, Zaho de Sagazan’s bold gesture will at least have reopened an essential debate on the artist’s place and responsibility in the face of major humanitarian crises.