France Inter Gives Controversial Comedian Benlazar New Show
France Inter has appointed comedian Merwane Benlazar to host a new weekly roast-format show despite controversy that led to his temporary ban from French public television 18 months ago.
Starting August 30th, Benlazar will take charge of the programme alongside Mehdi Maïzi, who already hosts the evening show “À la régulière” on the state-funded radio station. The new Sunday slot, titled “Chez la belle-famille” (At the In-Laws), will air at 5 p.m., immediately before the two-hour news segment presented by Ali Baddou.
Roast Format Imported from Anglo-Saxon World
The programme will adopt the “roast” format, a style imported from the English-speaking world in which celebrity guests willingly subject themselves to sharp, mocking humour. Invited personalities will be divided into two teams and engage in comedic battles featuring banter, provocations, and self-deprecation.
France Inter has stated it intends to adopt contemporary entertainment codes and appeal to younger demographics who favour stand-up comedy and digital platform formats popularised in recent years.
Promotion Follows Media Firestorm
The appointment represents a notable career advancement for Benlazar within France’s public broadcasting system. He already contributes to “Zoom Zoom Zen”, the show hosted by Matthieu Noël. Céline Pigalle, director of France Inter, has described him as one of the finest comedians of his generation.
However, the promotion arrives just 18 months after a significant controversy surrounding his appearance on “C à vous” on France 5. His January 31st, 2025 segment triggered a media storm, initially focused on criticism of his physical appearance before expanding to include old social media posts he had written.
The matter reached the Senate, where then-Culture Minister Rachida Dati condemned certain remarks as scandalous and declared the comedian would no longer appear on screen. France Télévisions clarified at the time that his participation had only ever been scheduled for a single episode.
Benlazar responded by denouncing what he characterised as a racist campaign against him. He insisted his past social media messages were humorous in nature and had been taken out of context.
State Broadcaster Stands By Controversial Hire
Despite the backlash, France Inter maintained Benlazar’s presence on air. The controversy has evidently done nothing to hinder his career trajectory at the public radio station, which is now entrusting him with an entire weekly programme of his own.
The decision underscores France Inter’s commitment to format renewal and demographic expansion, even when hiring choices court political and public criticism. The broadcaster appears willing to prioritise its pursuit of younger listeners over concerns about past controversies involving on-air talent.
With information from Valeurs Actuelles
