First baby of the year in Avignon targeted by racist remarks over his Arabic name

On January 1, the first baby born at Avignon Hospital became the target of racist abuse on social media, solely because of his Arabic-sounding name. The newborn, named Zaïd, prompted his parents to file a complaint on January 7, police sources told Le Parisien.

Speaking to La Marseillaise, Avignon mayor Cécile Helle said she was shocked and deeply disturbed by comments that went as far as linking the infant to terrorism. She said the incident highlighted «the potential for social media to fuel deviant behavior», adding: «It’s as if it brings out the darkest aspects of human nature».

The controversy erupted after Zaïd was celebrated as Avignon’s first newborn of the year in an article published by regional daily La Provence. The post quickly became a magnet for hateful reactions. «We could never have anticipated the backlash on our social media, particularly on Facebook: hundreds of comments initially criticized the Arabic-sounding names of children, before escalating into hateful, racist, intolerable, and unbearably violent remarks», wrote editor-in-chief Olivier Biscaye in an editorial published on Wednesday.

In an attempt to stem the abuse, comment moderation was introduced on January 2. While this measure briefly eased tensions, «the hostility returned with renewed intensity». «Every twenty minutes, a new wave of hate would emerge», the journalist recalled.

Ultimately, faced with the relentless nature of the attacks, the editorial team decided to shut down the comments section altogether.