the production took legal action after a wave of racism against two candidates on the program

The discriminatory and racist comments made online against the two candidates on the TF1 show are the subject of two complaints. The Central Office for the Fight against Hate Crimes is contacted.

The production company Endemol, which produces Star Academy, announced on Friday January 24 that it had contacted the Paris public prosecutor about online racism against two black candidates in the current season, reports France Inter.

A first report was made by Endemol in December after a wave of racist and sexist hatred received by Ebony, finalist of the show which will end on Saturday. A second report was sent in January, for acts of racism against Franck, another candidate eliminated in the semi-final. The Paris prosecutor's office confirms to France Inter having received “two complaints denouncing discriminatory comments made online to the detriment of Ebony Cham”. The first, dating from December 26, 2024, was entrusted to the Central Office for the Fight against Hate Crimes.

An online petition to denounce these comments gathered more than 5,200 signatures on Friday evening. Faced with this wave of hatred, a support committee was created to encourage Ebony, a young woman of Guadeloupean origin. The SOS Racisme association has also decided to take legal action.

Ebony has not yet faced direct criticism from the public as she is still competing on the show. She spoke on a daily show about the racism she experiences in her daily life: “I hope that little black girls have heard this message, that they don't listen to criticism, that they are proud of their skin color, that they are proud of where they come from.” Like the other Star Academy participants, she will be accompanied when she turns her phone back on when she leaves. Psychological support is also put in place for all students, before, during and after the show.

In December, TF1 and Endemol reacted on social networks to denounce “hateful remarks” towards the candidates and announced that any hate campaign would be reported. Other students have also faced cyberharassment with grossophobic remarks.