Sébastien Delogu singled out for his obsession with the skin color of French judokas
LFI-NFP MP Sébastien Delogu caused controversy after publishing a photo of French gold medal-winning judokas with a controversial caption: “Proud of you champions. How are the racists okay? You don't have too much energy? ". This publication sparked many reactions, with some commenters accusing it of emphasizing the skin color of athletes.
Indeed, during the mixed team judo tournament on Saturday August 3, the French team won a gold medal, thus retaining its title of Olympic champion. Shortly after the ceremony, one of the team members shared a photo on social media where the team poses with their medals. Sébastien Delogu, NFP deputy for Bouches-du-Rhône, reposted this photo on his X account, adding the caption whose wording quickly caused many Internet users, as well as political and media figures, to react.
Reactions and accusations of essentialism
Bertrand Guyot, deputy editor-in-chief of the magazine Front Populaire, replied: “It's funny these tweets from people obsessed with skin color (they look like racists, in fact), where most people just see athletes to applaud.” Cyril Hanouna, television host, also commented: “There you go, writing that is racism! In this photo, we all see French champions who are the pride of the French! ".
Many have accused Delogu of “political co-opting” and essentializing athletes by emphasizing their skin color rather than their athletic performance. Nolan Barthel, LR municipal councilor, wrote: “I just see French people. Champions and French. What do you see, Mr. Delogu? Immigrants? This is our difference.” Amine El-Khatmi, author and former president of Printemps Républicain, added: “Very proud to display his stupidity. It's art ".
Alice Leroy
