Son reacts to father's statue vandalism

Jérôme Bocuse, the son of renowned French chef Paul Bocuse, expressed deep pain after his father's statue was vandalized during unrest in Lyon on October 17. The statue, located at the Office de tourisme on Place Bellecour, was removed, dismounted, and damaged in the chaos.

Bocuse's public response

In an open letter published on Facebook, Jérôme Bocuse said he was speaking publicly for the first time on the platform after seeing images of the damage. He described the act as the work of "hooligans" and criticized those who would justify such violence under the guise of social anger.

Broader impact of the violence

Jérôme expanded his comments to include other acts of destruction in Lyon's city center, including fires, looting, and damage to buildings. He highlighted the suffering of local business owners and artisans whose life's work had been destroyed or stolen, calling them the "first victims" of the day.

Legacy of Paul Bocuse

He reflected on his father’s life, describing how Paul Bocuse, born to a cook, worked tirelessly to promote French cuisine, train thousands of chefs, and support many families. Jérôme thanked those who helped save the statue, including Paul Maurice Morel and staff from Brasseries Bocuse and Le Sud.

Criticism of government and police

Jérôme praised the police for their courage in the face of violence but criticized the government for failing to provide security forces with adequate resources. From the United States, where he has lived for over 35 years, he described France as "an abandoned country" and expressed a sense of "national humiliation."

Call for justice and healing

Jérôme demanded that those responsible for the damage be identified, arrested, and punished with real consequences, not just symbolic fines. He also urged support for affected merchants and emphasized that while the statue could be repaired, the shame he felt for his country would linger. He ended by reaffirming his father’s legacy of generosity and shared work.