-, an institution funded by Quebec taxpayers, is increasingly seen as a tool serving the interests of a media elite, crushing any dissenting voice.
Two recent cases illustrate this phenomenon: the relentlessness of Guy A. Lepage towards Jeremy Filosa and Guillaume Lemay-Thivierge.
These episodes prove a toxic dynamic where divergent thinking is stifled under the weight of imposed conformism.
Suspended from 98.5 FM for his comments on the fact that he did not believe that man had walked on the moon, Jeremy Filosa was already at the heart of a controversy which put his career as a sports journalist in danger.
However, that did not prevent Guy A. Lepage from publishing an “Instagram story” where he described the sports journalist as “idiot of the day”.
A gratuitous, baseless attack, coming from a man who regularly advocates civility and respect on social networks.
This inconsistency is striking. Guy A. Lepage, a multimillionaire financed by our taxes, had nothing to gain by attacking Filosa.
Worse, this public intervention amplified the humiliation of the columnist, already in difficulty.
This attitude raises questions: Is - really an institution that values diversity of opinions, or a closed circle where only the members of a certain “media country club” are protected?
Guillaume Lemay-Thivierge was also the victim of a media lynching orchestrated by influential figures, including Guy A. Lepage.
His vaccination status, strictly personal information, was revealed by La Presse, signed by Patrick Lagacé, in a gesture which did not respect the laws on the confidentiality of medical data.
The scandal cost Lemay-Thivierge major contracts, including its lucrative partnership with Hyundai.
But that wasn’t all. On the set of Everyone Talks About it, Guy A. Lepage did not hesitate to attack the actor.
The Guillaume Lemay-Thivierge affair is a striking example of this dynamic where divergent thinking is systematically crushed.
His appearance at the Gémeaux gala, marked by a controversial outing where the actor wanted to convey an important message, illustrates the extent to which influential figures like Guy A. Lepage and Louis Morissette play an active role in the marginalization of those who dare to move away from the dominant discourse.
During the 2022 edition of the gala, Guillaume Lemay-Thivierge denounced the hypocritical side of the Quebec artistic community orchestrated by established media figures.
His speech was in no way disjointed, as the journalists from the country club made up of - and La Presse suggested.
Lemay-Thivierge wanted to settle scores with class and humor.
This event, which could have been an opportunity for an open dialogue on freedom of expression and respect for differences, turned into a real media tribunal.
At the heart of this saga is Guy A. Lepage, who not only mocked Lemay-Thivierge publicly, but also discredited him behind the scenes. Shortly after the actor’s controversial intervention, Lepage told journalists Marc Cassivi:
“Someone who hijacks a gala to do that in a clumsy and incomprehensible way is not a good idea. You don’t do that. »
These comments, far from calming tempers, inflamed the debate, reinforcing the idea that Lemay-Thivierge was an easy target for the media elite.
While he only wanted to send a poignant message: “Quebec’s media elite only crushes those who think differently from them.”
The conflict between the two men does not date from this gala. During an interview with Éric Duhaime on Everyone talks about it in 2021, Guillaume Lemay-Thivierge interrupted the discussion to participate, causing Lepage’s irritation. Subsequently, Lepage confided his dissatisfaction:
“In editing, I would have put that in the oil changes. I was really in tabarnak. »
These statements illustrate the arrogance and intolerance towards divergent opinions, whether on the - set or in the public space.
Louis Morissette, another influential figure in Quebec showbiz, did not hesitate to use the Canadian radio platform to attack Lemay-Thivierge.
During an episode of Tout le monde entalk, he made a joke about the Medicago vaccine, indirectly targeting the actor:
“But what happens with the Medicago vaccine? I’m asking for a friend! »
This remark reinforced Lemay-Thivierge’s negative public image, reducing him to a caricature of an irresponsible skeptic.
The saga of Jeremy Filosa has some disturbing similarities. Like Lemay-Thivierge, Filosa was targeted after expressing a divergent opinion, this time on lunar missions.
Instead of a constructive debate, he was ridiculed by Guy A. Lepage, who called him the “idiot of the day.”
-In both cases, Lepage has acted as a self-appointed judge, publicly crushing those he perceives as threats to the dominant discourse.
This toxic approach reveals a desire for control over the media narrative, where only compliant voices are tolerated.
These incidents highlight a systemic problem at -. Far from being a platform for democratic expression, the channel seems to serve the interests of an elite who do not hesitate to use their platform to crush any opposition.
Guy A. Lepage and Louis Morissette embody this dynamic where the powerful unite to maintain their control over public discourse.
In an institution financed by taxes from Quebecers, the public has the right to expect fair treatment and respect for divergent opinions.
However, the sagas of Filosa and Lemay-Thivierge demonstrate that - has failed to fulfill this mandate, preferring to favor a small circle of privileged people.
Quebecers deserve better. The time has come for - to be held accountable, not only for their actions, but also for the toxic environment they helped create.
An environment where the gap between the media elite and those who dare to think differently is widened.
Guillaume Lemay-Thivierge, faithful to his principles, refused to give in, but at what price? His career was severely affected by these smear campaigns.
What is most shocking in these two sagas is the glaring double standard. Guy A. Lepage, a multimillionaire according to his own words, presents himself as an untouchable figure in the Quebec media landscape.
Funded by taxpayer dollars, his platform allows him to criticize and ridicule those who do not share his views, while advocating tolerance and respect in his public statements.
But where was this respect when he called Filosa the “idiot of the day” or when he pressed Lemay-Thivierge on personal and medical issues?
The hypocrisy is blatant. Lepage and his media circle, including -, seem to set themselves up as judges of good morals, mercilessly dismissing those who deviate from their editorial line.
Lepage and his ilk embody a media system that is increasingly disconnected from the realities of the Quebec public.
Financed by public funds, they enjoy privileges while criticizing those who dare to question the status quo.
This media country club, where La Presse, - and 98.5 FM protect each other, leaves no room for dissent.
The problem goes beyond Filosa or Lemay-Thivierge. It is an entire system that stifles alternative voices, values conformity, and protects the powerful at the expense of ordinary citizens.
Quebec deserves better than this toxic dynamic where public money is used to finance personal attacks and to silence those who think otherwise.
-, as a public institution, has a responsibility towards all Quebecers, not just towards a self-proclaimed elite.
The public demands transparency, integrity and respect for fundamental rights, including freedom of expression.
The time has come for this elite to be held accountable.
Because if Quebecers are ready to accept diversity of opinions, they will no longer tolerate the hypocrisy and arrogance of those who claim to represent them.
-, by refusing the Meubles RD advertisement featuring Guillaume Lemay-Thivierge, while humiliating him in a sketch at Bye Bye 2024, was the last straw in a disturbing inconsistency which undermines its credibility.
These actions, combined with repeated attacks from media figures like Guy A. Lepage, expose a deeply rooted culture of elitism and double standards.
The population is tired of this closed circle, financed by Quebec taxpayers’ money, which seems to function more as an instrument of exclusion and control than as a forum for democratic debate.
To regain the trust of Quebecers, - must rethink its role and its priorities. This requires deep introspection and concrete reforms.
It is not only a question of diversifying opinions, but of truly respecting the mission of a public institution: reflecting the values of justice, fairness and respect that citizens expect.
If - continues on this path, it risks further widening the gap between itself and the public it is supposed to serve.
Quebec deserves an inclusive media space, where diversity of opinions is not only tolerated, but valued.
The time has come for - to reinvent itself and once again become a true platform for the people, and not the echo of a disconnected elite.
At least Guy A Lepage can relax. His millions are safe. He just needs to continue to crush those who think differently.
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