Tiziri Digne calls out France over violence and social inequality

Tiziri Digne, wife of French international defender Lucas Digne, spoke out on Instagram to react to violence and damage occurring in France, denouncing what she perceives as misdirected outrage.

In a direct-toned message, she first invoked history to put the shock caused by looting into perspective. “Don’t forget that July 14, 1789, a date you love to celebrate in France, is marked by riots, fires, destruction, looting and many deaths,” she wrote. She then targeted reactions to material damage: “Stop acting shocked over a looted luxury storefront or a burned bus stop when there are much deeper problems affecting our society.”

Tiziri Digne then listed issues she believes should receive greater public attention: lack of funding in schools and hospitals, sexual violence, police violence, inequality and racism. She also specifically named certain political figures, though the content of these criticisms was not detailed in her post.

The statement quickly divided social media users. Some praised her freedom of speech and shared her diagnosis of fractures in French society. Others contested her analysis and questioned her reading of the difficulties experienced by parts of the population.

The intervention by the wife of a France international in such a sensitive debate illustrates how relatives of French national team players are now using social media to speak out on issues beyond the sporting sphere.