Arcom and Justice System Step Up Against Online Harassment of Entertainment Show Candidates

In early 2026, a coordinated effort between Arcom, the National Pole Against Online Hate (PNLH), and the justice system has intensified to combat the alarming rise in online harassment targeting candidates of popular French entertainment shows such as Miss France, Star Academy, Koh-Lanta, and Mariés au premier regard. These measures address the surge in hate speech and cyberbullying, especially messages carrying sexist, racist, antisemitic, homophobic, or transphobic undertones.

A pivotal meeting convened by Arcom on February 2 brought together television channels and producers to confront this pressing issue and devise more effective strategies to prevent harassment and assist victims. The Paris judicial court's PNLH, which collaborates closely with Arcom, has reported numerous signals of discriminatory harassment against show candidates and emphasized that such hate messages and cyberharassment constitute criminal offenses.

Among the notable cases highlighting this problem was the complaint filed a year ago by Star Academy's production company, SOS Racisme, and La Maison des potes concerning racist threats aimed at finalist Ebony Cham. Additionally, in 2025, M6 publicly promoted kindness and respect on social media following online abuse directed at participants in Mariés au premier regard. These incidents underline the broader challenge candidates face, with Miss France contestants also reporting hateful messages rooted in racism, antisemitism, and sexism.

Both Arcom and PNLH stressed the importance of online platforms responding swiftly to reports of illegal content, ensuring that perpetrators are thoroughly investigated and prosecuted where appropriate. The involved producers and channels committed to bolstering prevention efforts and improving support mechanisms using trusted reporters designated by Arcom to handle online message reports.

Through this unified response, French audiovisual regulators and the justice system aim to foster a safer digital environment for entertainment show candidates, affirming that online hate and harassment will not be tolerated. Continuous vigilance and cooperation between regulators, producers, and platforms remain key to safeguarding these individuals from cyber abuse.