Zoé Cristofoli clarifies remarks after Saudi Arabia comparison controversy

Zoé Cristofoli, partner of AC Milan defender Théo Hernandez, was forced to publicly explain herself after a social media post about the October 17 protests in France triggered a wave of backlash.

Based in Saudi Arabia, the Italian influencer from Verona had reacted to images of violence and looting that occurred during marches involving high school students, university students, Gilets jaunes and unions. In her initial message, she wrote: “Happy to live in Saudi Arabia where, if you steal from your neighbour, they cut off your hands. If you deliberately cause harm, you know you’ll suffer the same fate. I think there’s no other way to calm certain animals.” The phrasing, deemed particularly harsh, quickly ignited the comments section.

Faced with the scale of reactions, Cristofoli published a second message to clarify her intentions. “Apparently, some didn’t understand what I wrote. It wasn’t about targeting France, nor about denigrating those who protest, but about condemning violence as a tool of protest,” she stated.

The influencer stressed the distinction between peaceful protesters and troublemakers. “I saw videos of people beaten repeatedly, simply because they were there at that moment. People who protest peacefully while respecting others are completely overshadowed by the rioters,” she lamented.

On the Saudi Arabia comparison, she sought to nuance: “It was simply about respecting rules and consequences. I know Europe is not Saudi Arabia. Rules must be fair, of course, but they must also be respected.”

Cristofoli’s initial message was posted the same evening that Théo Hernandez’s brother Lucas starred for PSG against FC Barcelona.