Recently, Aya Nakamura, a renowned R&B artist, was targeted with racist comments due to her selection to perform at the opening ceremony of the 2024 Olympic Games in Paris. Her lawyer mentioned on RMC that legal action might be considered following these incidents.
Controversy erupted after it was suggested that Aya Nakamura could sing Edith Piaf’s songs at the event. Far-right groups, including the collective ‘Les Natifs,’ publicly expressed their opposition with offensive and discriminatory messages. “No way Aya. This is Paris, not the market in Bamako,” one such message read.
In the face of this wave of criticism, Aya Nakamura, whose fame extends beyond borders and who has been praised by international celebrities such as Rihanna, Madonna, and Alicia Keys, chose to thank her fans for their unwavering support through her social media. “Thank you for the support, especially to my community. It feels like I have introduced Edith Piaf to you and that she has reincarnated in me. The rest, whether they love us or not is their problem,” Aya Nakamura posted.
Her lawyer, Me Karim Sebihat, clearly stated during a show on RMC that any decision regarding a possible legal response to these attacks would be made in consultation with the singer. He describes the situation as unacceptable and seems ready to take appropriate measures to defend his client.
However, he clarified: “Legal proceedings would be perfectly suitable and fully justified.” He added: “It has to be reminded that these statements and actions are punishable by law. I see outright provocation to discrimination, cumulatively, and even to violence because the banner contains the message ‘there’s no way.’ So everything will be done to prevent Aya Nakamura from singing, from working. What does it mean? It indicates to the public that they must react, perhaps physically. It implies quite a warlike rhetoric. The racist nature of the remarks is quite obvious.“