French judoka Teddy Riner is facing a wave of online racist abuse after speaking out against the rise of the far right in France ahead of the 2027 presidential elections, prompting the Paris Prosecutor’s Office to open an official investigation into public racist insults and cyberbullying.
Stade 2 Broadcast Sparks National Debate
The controversy began when the five-time Olympic champion appeared on the television broadcast “Stade 2.”
During the program, he voiced deep concern over the political trajectory of the country, stating that the progression of the far right “terrifies” him and expressing personal anguish over the current social climate.
A Coordinated Wave of Social Media Hostility
Following that broadcast appearance, the athlete became the target of a coordinated wave of hostility across social media platforms.
In response to the harassment, Riner published a statement on X on September 16, addressing the backlash directly and making it clear that intimidation will not silence him.
“I will continue to express myself freely, with respect and without hate,” Riner wrote on the platform, detailing that numerous hateful and racist posts, tweets, and comments had circulated online following his remarks. “I expressed a fear. Everyone is free to share it or not. Debate and dissent are legitimate. Hatred and racism are not.”
Paris Prosecutors Launch Formal Inquiry
The severity of the online harassment crossed legal boundaries, drawing the attention of French judicial authorities.
The Paris Prosecutor’s Office announced the opening of an official investigation into public insults with racist undertones and targeted cyberbullying against the prominent sports figure.
Legal Accountability and Warning to Abusers
Building on the state investigation, Riner signaled that he intends to hold online abusers personally accountable.
In his statement on X, the judo champion warned that “from this moment on, every expression of hatred or racist remark directed against me will be documented and, where the facts justify it, will give rise to appropriate legal action.”
