The boss of Free, Xavier Niel, surprised everyone this November 15 by going to a Lidl in Marseille, thus responding to a provocation launched on X (formerly Twitter) a few months earlier. A look back at this unprecedented exchange which is shaking up the web.
A provocation that dates back to last May
It all started on May 20, when an Internet user from Marseille known under the pseudonym Fuego 7️⃣???????? (@JimmyBLLT) attacked Xavier Niel on X with this provocative message:
“Xavier Niel I hate you, I offer you a 1v1 in front of the Lidl on rue Sainte in Marseille. »
A challenge launched in a humorous tone, which seemed to have remained unanswered… until November 15.
Xavier Niel takes action
To everyone's surprise, the boss of Free decided to take on the challenge in person. Around 3 p.m., he appeared in front of the Lidl on rue Sainte, in Marseille, and recorded a live video, visibly annoyed. In a nervous tone, he calls out to his provocateur:
“I'm here, I'm waiting for you. Where are you, where are you? Come, come, come. Do you want to meet up? Do you want to meet in the parking lot? Come, come, come, wear your c****. »*
A message that quickly sparked a reaction on X.
The Internet user backs off and declines the meeting
A few minutes after this video went viral, Fuego 7️⃣???????? responded on the social network. Claiming a fragile state of health, he published this message:
“I would have liked but 34.2 temperature + stomach ache + headache so I give up. »
A response which will intensify the reactions, between mockery and applause for the bold reaction of the boss of Free.
Communication stunt or simple spontaneous reaction?
If some see this episode as a clever maneuver to get people talking about Xavier Niel and Free, others might see it as an unexpected but sincere gesture, revealing a human and direct side of the billionaire. One thing is certain: this aborted confrontation will leave its mark and will now ignite the web, which will spark an avalanche of memes and online debates.
