Nicolas Bedos Sparks Controversy on France 2 After Conviction for Sexual Assault
The filmmaker's appearance on 'Quelle époque!' to promote his book incites widespread debate on consent and accountability.
Nicolas Bedos, a prominent French filmmaker and author, made his return to the television program 'Quelle époque!' on May 3, 2025, following his conviction for sexual assault on two women.
Bedos was sentenced to one year in prison in October 2024, with six months under electronic surveillance.
His participation in the show was intended to promote his new book, 'La soif de honte' (The Thirst for Shame).
The invitation extended by host Léa Salamé sparked intense debate prior to the broadcast.
Salamé acknowledged her reservations, stating during the program, 'I hesitated a long time to give you a platform, but we have read this book and recognized that you say things… It is not a book of complaints or victimization.'
The situation escalated when Paul de Saint-Sernin, a columnist and comedian present in the audience, confronted Bedos directly.
He declared, 'All the money raised from the sale of this book will be donated to a victims’ association.
You may not know this, but I just decided it.' In response to Bedos's visible discomfort, de Saint-Sernin continued, 'This is a way to show you that consent is important.
I am deciding that this money goes to this association without asking your opinion.'
The audience reacted with applause, but Bedos appeared unsettled and replied, 'Is this serious what we’re saying here?'
The exchange went viral on social media, garnering millions of views and generating polarized reactions.
Some observers praised the interaction as a 'lesson in consent' delivered to Bedos, while others criticized it as a form of 'lynching' or media exploitation by de Saint-Sernin.
Among the guests on the show, actress Anny Duperey advocated for forgiveness, commending Bedos for acknowledging his wrongdoing, whereas former President Louis Sarkozy expressed admiration for Bedos's courage, albeit with caution.
Following the controversy, members of Bedos's family spoke out, with his sister Victoria offering support while advising him to 'stay out of the spotlight' amid the backlash surrounding his book promotion.
On social media, Bedos attempted to clarify his intentions, stating, 'I have acknowledged my faults and accepted my punishment.
Today, I tell my story not to justify myself, but to try to understand what led to this downfall.' Feminist activists raised concerns on various platforms, questioning, 'Where are the victims?' They argued for the inclusion of victims on air instead of granting a platform to Bedos, despite his having served his sentence.
Bedos was sentenced to one year in prison in October 2024, with six months under electronic surveillance.
His participation in the show was intended to promote his new book, 'La soif de honte' (The Thirst for Shame).
The invitation extended by host Léa Salamé sparked intense debate prior to the broadcast.
Salamé acknowledged her reservations, stating during the program, 'I hesitated a long time to give you a platform, but we have read this book and recognized that you say things… It is not a book of complaints or victimization.'
The situation escalated when Paul de Saint-Sernin, a columnist and comedian present in the audience, confronted Bedos directly.
He declared, 'All the money raised from the sale of this book will be donated to a victims’ association.
You may not know this, but I just decided it.' In response to Bedos's visible discomfort, de Saint-Sernin continued, 'This is a way to show you that consent is important.
I am deciding that this money goes to this association without asking your opinion.'
The audience reacted with applause, but Bedos appeared unsettled and replied, 'Is this serious what we’re saying here?'
The exchange went viral on social media, garnering millions of views and generating polarized reactions.
Some observers praised the interaction as a 'lesson in consent' delivered to Bedos, while others criticized it as a form of 'lynching' or media exploitation by de Saint-Sernin.
Among the guests on the show, actress Anny Duperey advocated for forgiveness, commending Bedos for acknowledging his wrongdoing, whereas former President Louis Sarkozy expressed admiration for Bedos's courage, albeit with caution.
Following the controversy, members of Bedos's family spoke out, with his sister Victoria offering support while advising him to 'stay out of the spotlight' amid the backlash surrounding his book promotion.
On social media, Bedos attempted to clarify his intentions, stating, 'I have acknowledged my faults and accepted my punishment.
Today, I tell my story not to justify myself, but to try to understand what led to this downfall.' Feminist activists raised concerns on various platforms, questioning, 'Where are the victims?' They argued for the inclusion of victims on air instead of granting a platform to Bedos, despite his having served his sentence.
