L'Équipe distances itself from France Pierron's controversial remarks about Doku's child birth

L’Équipe issued an official statement to distance itself from remarks made Friday evening by presenter France Pierron during the show “L’Équipe de choc”, after two days of intense controversy on social media.

The controversy began with a discussion about Jérémy Doku, Manchester City winger and Belgium international, potentially leaving the national team gathering to be present for his child’s birth. France Pierron openly criticized this choice: “I don’t understand, when you have the chance to participate in a World Cup, it’s an incredible blessing, there are hundreds of footballers who would kill to be in your place, it may never happen again in your life, and you’re going to leave all that to attend your child’s birth…” The presenter also downplayed the paternal role during childbirth, describing this moment as “disgusting” where “the father is useless, he plays a supporting role”.

Faced with the scale of reactions, the channel’s management chose to respond publicly. “L’Équipe distances itself from these remarks, which are far removed from the Group’s values, and apologizes to the footballer concerned and more broadly to its audience”, the statement reads.

For her part, France Pierron had already attempted to limit the damage over the weekend through a message posted on Instagram. “I was expressing a personal opinion, as part of a contradictory exchange. These remarks are mine alone and in no way reflect a collective position. I understand they may have shocked, hurt or upset some of you, and I am sorry for that”, she wrote, clarifying that her “intention was never to minimize the place or role of fathers with their partner and their child”.