Since the arrest of comedian Observateur Ebène, reactions have been continuous. Many voices have called for mercy on behalf of the artist, seeking forgiveness from Marie Paul Adjé for his release. In this context, DJ Lewis, a prominent figure in the Coupé-Décalé scene, took a jab at Apoutchou National, who quickly responded.
The arrest and imprisonment of the online comedian Observateur Ebène have affected many, especially those in the Ivorian showbiz industry. Among them is Coupé-Décalé singer DJ Lewis, who also voiced his support for the comedian. He even pleaded for leniency from broadcaster, actress, and businesswoman Marie Paule Adjé through a Facebook post on Monday, April 22, 2024. “There are 2 things I can’t even wish on my worst enemy: prison and death. Observateur Ebène, stay strong brother. Yet there are others who have built their communities which now sustain them on social platforms through vulgarity and offensive remarks about others, and these same people have now set themselves up as artists and more. Marie Paule Adjé, please, please, please,” he wrote.
The singer’s remarks, seemingly metaphorical, outraged Ivorian influencer and blogger Apoutchou National. Feeling indirectly targeted, he quickly replied to DJ Lewis’s post. “You, when it comes to sending me your apocalyptic songs in inbox asking me to share, you send sweet messages like ‘Apoutchou, you are the Guide, we need you, share for me, my champion.’ Now you come talking about me in parables? Old man, if music isn’t working out, maybe you should consider wrestling instead,” he replied.
In response to the son of actress Brigitte Bleu’s comment, the Coupé-Décalé singer made another statement online on Tuesday, April 23, 2024. “Following my previous post in which I expressed my moral support for Observateur Ebene and also asked for forgiveness from the aggrieved party, here’s what the brother Apoutchou National, whom I didn’t even address in my post, had to say about me. However, it’s natural to wipe your nose if you feel it’s running. You want to talk about my music by disparaging my work, I remind you that to get the recognition that Ivorians have given me, I have worked and continue to work,” he reacted.
It should be noted that despite continuous appeals, the comedian was sentenced on the evening of Tuesday, April 23, by Ivorian justice to 12 months in prison, with 6 months firm, and was ordered to pay a fine of 5 million West African CFA francs in damages and interest to the plaintiff.