French far-left leader Jean-Luc Melenchon faces widespread condemnation for mocking the pronunciation of ‘Epstein’, with critics calling the remarks antisemitic.
LYON: French far-left leader Jean-Luc Melenchon has ignited a political firestorm and accusations of antisemitism following remarks made at a rally.
Speaking in Lyon, the France Unbowed (LFI) leader mocked the pronunciation of Jeffrey Epstein’s name. “I wanted to say ‘Epstein’, sorry, it sounds more Russian, ‘Epsteen’,” Melenchon told a laughing audience.
The comments prompted swift condemnation from across the political spectrum. Interior Minister Laurent Nunez described the remarks as “abject”.
Equality Minister Aurore Berge wrote on social media that “antisemitism in France can be spelled out in three letters: L-F-I.”
President Emmanuel Macron indirectly referenced the row by sharing a recent video of himself condemning the “antisemitic hydra” in society.
Melenchon, 74, rejected the accusations, calling his comments “ironic” and alleging a deliberate campaign to incite violence against his party.
The leader of the far-right National Rally, Jordan Bardella, denounced the rally as having “openly antisemitic overtones”.
Socialist lawmaker Laurence Rossignol called it “the most terrifying antisemitism”. Yonathan Arfi, head of French Jewish group Crif, said seeing the pronunciation as manipulation was a “conspiracy theory with real antisemitic overtones”.
The controversy adds to existing scrutiny on Melenchon and LFI regarding their stance on the Hamas attacks of October 7, 2023.
