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The delegation accompanying French President Emmanuel Macron on his visit to Morocco included Moroccan-born comedian Yassine Belattar, sparking controversy in France. The debate intensified over Belattar's choice of attire while greeting King Mohammed VI, as photos and videos shared on social media show him dressed in casual athletic wear.
Belattar wore sports pants and sneakers among the French delegation greeting King Mohammed VI, a choice that quickly stirred reactions, reaching French television studios where some commentators criticized his attire.
Marion Maréchal, a member of the far-right National Front party, remarked that Belattar’s presence, «especially in sportswear», was «a disgrace to the French delegation during its visit to the friendly country of Morocco».
CNEWS quoted sources close to French Army Minister Sébastien Lecornu, who reportedly did not know the comedian and «mistook him for a technician» after photos emerged of them chatting. «The minister doesn’t know him; seeing his attire, he assumed he was a technician», the source explained, adding that «Belattar had been waiting for the motorcade and came by to congratulate the minister on his appearance on a program on France 2».
Non annoncé dans la composition de la délégation officielle, Yassine Belattar est présent au Maroc pour la visite d’Etat d’Emmanuel Macron
— Thomas Bonnet (@ThomasBonnet) October 28, 2024
Belattar’s inclusion in the delegation and his past actions have also drawn criticism. French media, including Le Parisien, reported that his name was added to the official delegation list by the Élysée at the last minute on Monday evening, as he was not initially scheduled to join Macron's entourage.
«How can this comedian, convicted of making death threats and associated with anti-Semites from the CCIF (Collective Against Islamophobia in France), be part of such an important trip with the President of the Republic? It’s disrespectful to both France and Morocco», stated Jordan Bardella, head of the far-right National Rally party, on X.
In September 2023, Belattar received a four-month suspended sentence for making death threats against several figures in the arts and has also faced accusations of anti-Semitism.
Suite aux images chaleureuses entre Belattar et @SebLecornu, son entourage explique :
— Gauthier Le Bret (@GauthierBret) October 29, 2024
«Le ministre le connaît pas. Au regard de sa tenue d’ailleurs il l’a pris pour un technicien. Belattar attendait le cortège et est venu le féliciter de son passage sur France 2.»
Those close to Macron clarified to Le Parisien that Belattar is a «French-Moroccan figure» and that his presence in the delegation «does not imply endorsement of his ideas». Known for his provocative persona, Belattar is a comedian, radio host, and a voice for working-class neighborhoods.
Belattar has been in the media for over a decade, recognized for his confrontational style on social media and television. Originally a supporter of François Hollande, he later joined Emmanuel Macron’s presidential campaign in 2017. Following Macron’s election, Belattar was appointed to the Presidential Council of Cities to contribute to public policy development for working-class areas.
Yassine Belattar au Maroc : "ce qui m'a le plus choqué, c'est son accoutrement devant le roi du Maroc" déclare @ChdOrnellas #HDPros #Europe1 pic.twitter.com/FLPUUGIVsQ
— Europe 1 (@Europe1) October 29, 2024
Though considered «close» to Macron, Belattar left his position in 2019 after making threatening remarks toward then-Education Minister Jean-Michel Blanquer. He explained his departure in an open letter to the president, expressing dissatisfaction with how the administration was addressing issues in working-class neighborhoods.
