Journalist’s social media flooded with hate after she comments on racism

Location: France

Date: May 1, 2024

Women Press Freedom strongly denounces the racist harassment targeting Nassira El Moaddem. Her online comment, taken out of context and amplified by the far-right, was used to justify further harassment based on her minority background. Despite being French, she was told to leave the country by a far-right politician, a blatant discriminatory remark. Journalists from France of minority backgrounds have repeatedly faced threats and online harassment for commenting in public on race or expressing themselves on social media. This torrent of abuse, directed at El Moaddem was amplified by right-wing media outlets. We demand justice for El Moaddem, any users issuing threats of violence against her online must be held to account.

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Nassira El Moaddem, a journalist with Arrêt sur Images, became the target of online harassment and a flood of hateful messages after she posted a tweet denouncing racism in France. 

The harassment began on May 1, 2024, after she reacted to news from the soccer sports federation about banning certain attire on soccer pitches in the name of secularism. Expressing her dismay in a tweet, she referred to France as a "country of degenerate racists." 

The situation escalated when TV host Jean-Marc Morandini discussed El Moaddem's tweet on his show on CNews. On the program, a member of the far-right National Rally party, Julien Odoul, called for El Moaddem’s dismissal from Radio France, despite her not being associated with the station since 2022. Personal attacks on her nationality and background ensued, with Odoul callously suggesting she leave France, despite her French citizenship.

Following this, El Moaddem became the target of a torrent of hateful comments on social media, including threats and racist language. These attacks were further fueled by outlets associated with Vincent Bolloré, a prominent figure in French business and media known for his conservative views and aggressive tactics.

The harassment extended beyond personal abuse to target her past employers. Outlets linked to Bolloré's group reached out to France Inter, where El Moaddem had previously worked, seeking their reaction to her tweet. France Inter's initial response, which seemed to downplay her association with the station, drew criticism for echoing the sentiments of the cyberbullies.

This provoked outrage from El Moaddem's supporters, including politicians like Cyrielle Chatelin and Danièle Obono. Eventually, France Inter revised its statement, removing controversial phrases, but El Moaddem expressed disappointment at the station's lack of support during the onslaught of hostile messages she faced online.

On May 3, 2024, France Inter issued another statement, explicitly condemning the violent attacks El Moaddem faced on social media while reaffirming that her views did not represent the station's stance.

The Society of Journalists of Arrêt sur Images and Médiapart stood in solidarity with El Moaddem, condemning the coordinated attack by the far-right against her.

Sadly, racist attacks on women journalists in France are not uncommon. Renowned journalist Rokhaya Diallo has also endured years of relentless harassment, both online and through legal channels. United Nations Special Rapporteur Mary Lawlor has expressed deep concern over Diallo's sustained harassment.

The swift and severe backlash Nassira El Moaddem experienced, fueled by powerful figures and amplified by right-wing media outlets, underscores the urgent need to combat online harassment. No journalist should endure such vicious attacks simply for expressing their views. As we stand in solidarity with El Moaddem and others facing similar persecution, we must demand concrete action from the French government and online platforms to protect journalists from racist attacks. Social media users must not be free to threaten, discriminate, and harass without consequences.

Women Press Freedom is an initiative by The Coalition For Women In Journalism

The Coalition For Women In Journalism is a global organization of support for women journalists. The CFWIJ pioneered mentorship for mid-career women journalists across several countries around the world and is the first organization to focus on the status of free press for women journalists. We thoroughly document cases of any form of abuse against women in any part of the globe. Our system of individuals and organizations brings together the experience and mentorship necessary to help female career journalists navigate the industry. Our goal is to help develop a strong mechanism where women journalists can work safely and thrive.

If you have been harassed or abused in any way, and please report the incident by using the following form.