Complaint filed against Jean Messiha

A group of organizations, including SOS Racisme, LDH, MRAP, and others, has filed a formal complaint with the Paris prosecutor's office against Jean Messiha and an unnamed individual for alleged hate speech. The complaint accuses them of spreading racist and discriminatory content online.

Alleged offenses and legal charges

The alleged acts could lead to charges such as public insults with a racist character, public incitement to discrimination, hatred, or violence, and racist cyberbullying. These charges are part of France’s legal framework against hate speech and discrimination.

Incident involving minors on a sailing trip

On July 8, 2026, Jean Messiha posted a photograph on social media platforms like X, Instagram, and Facebook of several minor girls from Saint-Nazaire. The girls were participating in a sailing trip organized by local community groups and were swimming on the Ramonette beach on Belle-Île-en-Mer.

Mischaracterization of the girls’ attire

The image was captioned with the phrase "Islamic supremacists" coming "to spoil the landscape with their infamous and hideous burkini." This caption falsely attributed a political or religious ideology to the girls based solely on their choice of clothing, which is a full-body swimsuit worn by some Muslim women.

Violation of privacy and image rights

The use of the girls’ image without their consent and with the intent to stigmatize them infringes on their right to privacy. The post was made by an account with several hundred thousand followers, leading to a wave of harmful comments directed at the girls and others perceived as Muslim.

Escalation of anti-Muslim hate speech

The incident is part of a broader trend of anti-Muslim hate speech, often promoted by far-right figures who use the images of minors to further their agendas. Jean Messiha, who has a prior conviction for public insult, has even called for the arrest of the mayor of Saint-Nazaire for "high treason" in response to the complaint.

Call for justice and platform responsibility

The organizations involved are requesting that the courts identify the individuals responsible, protect the image rights of the victims, and hold the responsible parties accountable. They also urge social media platforms to remove the controversial content and fulfill their moderation responsibilities.

Racism as a crime and a call for dignity

The signatories emphasize that racism is not a matter of opinion but a crime. They stress the importance of protecting the dignity of the young girls, respecting all communities, and upholding the principle of fraternity in French society.