Comedian Merwane Benlazar has returned to the Molières stage this year following his firing from France Télévisions [5, 6].
Benlazar's return marks a public confrontation with the professional fallout and racial harassment he faced after a brief tenure in mainstream French television. His experience highlights the volatile intersection of political opinion, ethnic identity, and public broadcasting in France.
Benlazar first appeared as a chronicler on the France 2 program “C à vous” on Feb. 1, 2025 [1]. He had delivered his first television chronicle shortly before that on Jan. 31, 2025 [2]. However, the visibility brought significant hostility. Benlazar said he received between 10 and 15 insults per minute [3].
The comedian, who is 29 [3], was eventually fired from France Télévisions in 2025 [4]. The broadcaster excluded him following the publication of a controversial opinion piece that sparked a public backlash [4].
In response to the controversy, Benlazar previously used a sketch at the Européen venue to address the abuse [3]. He has since used his platform to deliver virulent speeches against media figures such as Hanouna and Morandini [4].
While some records indicate a special appearance at the 37e Nuit des Molières on May 4, 2025, Benlazar has marked his formal return to the Molières in 2026 [5, 6]. He said that his recent work aims to highlight talent from Afro-Arab-Caribbean cultures [4].
“"J'ai reçu entre 10 et 15 insultes par minute"”
Benlazar's trajectory from a state-funded television role to a targeted figure of racist abuse reflects the ongoing tension in France regarding the representation of Afro-Arab-Caribbean identities in media. His transition from the structured environment of France Télévisions to the independent stage of the Molières suggests a shift toward using satire and performance art to challenge institutional boundaries and media personalities.
