War in Ukraine: an interview with Omar Sy creates controversy

The words of the French actor reacted to several political figures, on television sets or social networks.

Par LePoint.fr

By implying that the French were less concerned with the wars in Africa than with that in Ukraine, Omar Sy was strongly criticized by political figures.
© SEYLLOU / AFP

Published on 01/02/2023 at 7:45 p.m.

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Un bad buzz in good standing. In an interview given to ParisianOmar Sy, soon to star in the film Skirmishers, expressed surprise that the French feel more affected by the war in Ukraine than by the conflicts taking place in Africa. “I am surprised that people are so affected. Does that mean that when it’s in Africa, you are less affected? asked the actor to our colleagues. “We remember that man is capable of invading, of attacking civilians, children. We have the impression that we have to wait for Ukraine to realize this,” he added.

These remarks sparked a wave of indignation on social networks and television sets. “There are 58 French soldiers who died in the Sahel fighting against the jihadists. No, Omar Sy, the French are no less affected by what is happening in Africa. Some gave their lives so that Malians would stop being threatened by terrorists,” lamented Nathalie Loiseau, the former minister in charge of European Affairs and MEP, on Twitter.

There are 58 French soldiers who died in the Sahel fighting against the jihadists. No, Omar Sy, the French are not “less affected” by what is happening “in Africa”. Some gave their lives so that Malians would stop being threatened by terrorists. https://t.co/tnylXh8QjZ

— Nathalie Loiseau (@NathalieLoiseau) January 1, 2023

“No lesson to teach”

“He is a tax exile, maybe he is not affected by the poverty of the French! “Reacted, on RMC, the columnist Charles Consigny, referring to the move of Omar Sy to the United States. On BFMTV, the spokesperson for the National Rally, Julien Odoul, castigated “selective indignation” and considered that the actor “has no lesson to give”. “He also forgets a detail: the African wars reach the French”, continues the deputy of Yonne, in reference to the French soldiers who died in Africa. For her part, Nupes MP Clémentine Autain expressed her support for Omar Sy. “Healthy and just anger. Thank you, ”tweeted the chosen one.

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