French singer-songwriter Bilal Hassani has released his new album, "Bonsoir Paris," while speaking publicly about his battles with addiction and harassment [1].
The revelations provide a rare look at the personal toll of early fame for a public figure who has navigated gender identity struggles and severe health issues. By sharing these experiences, Hassani aims to use his platform to combat discrimination and inspire resilience in his audience [1].
Born in 1999 [2], Hassani rose to international prominence after representing France at Eurovision in 2019 [2]. Despite his professional success, he has faced significant personal turmoil. The artist disclosed a period of drug addiction that occurred in October 2022 [3]. He also spoke about his experiences with anorexia and the ongoing harassment he faced following his Eurovision appearance [1, 2].
These struggles have occasionally impacted his professional commitments. On June 18, 2023, Hassani announced the cancellation of a concert [4]. At that time, reports indicated that his shows typically drew between two and 300 fans [4].
Despite these setbacks, Hassani has continued to maintain a high public profile. He appeared on the TF1 INFO "AURA" programme in 2026 [3] and performed at the 77th Cannes Film Festival between May 17 and May 28, 2026 [5].
Hassani said his childhood dream was to become an "intergalactic pop star" [1]. He said his mother and his fan base were the primary sources of support that allowed him to persevere through his mental and physical health crises [1]. He continues to frame his music and public persona as a means of fighting against the marginalization he experienced during his youth [1].
“Bilal Hassani's childhood dream was to become an 'intergalactic pop star'.”
Hassani's transparency regarding addiction and anorexia highlights the intersection of mental health and the pressures of the modern celebrity industrial complex. By linking his personal recovery to his artistic output in "Bonsoir Paris," he is transitioning from a competition-based celebrity to a songwriter who leverages vulnerability as a tool for social advocacy and identity politics in France.
