Le Figaro Investigation Exposes Le Monde's Editorial Controversies and Allegations of Antisemitism

An explosive investigation by Le Figaro has raised serious questions about the editorial practices at one of France’s most respected newspapers, Le Monde. The exposé, published Monday, uncovers disturbing accounts of antisemitism, biased reporting, and the rise of "cancel culture" within the newsroom.

Itai Cellier, a French media and politics expert, described the investigation as a “smoking gun,” revealing deep-seated issues at Le Monde that challenge its reputation for objective journalism. Among the most alarming allegations are testimonies from the newsroom that describe the French Jewish community being explicitly referred to as a “hostile community” during editorial meetings. The report also highlights a disturbing incident in which a journalist mocked a Jewish colleague, asking, "So, how’s your aliyah project coming along?"

The investigation further reveals glaring examples of biased reporting, particularly in relation to the Israel-Palestine conflict. In a special issue marking the anniversary of the October 7 attacks, Le Monde focused exclusively on “Gaza’s suffering,” while completely overlooking the massacres and kidnappings carried out by Hamas. The following day, the paper published an article that dismissed Israeli trauma as “whining,” deepening claims of anti-Israel bias.

Benjamin Barthe, a key figure in the controversy and author of Ramallah Dream, is also at the center of the debate. Barthe is married to Muzna Shehabi, a pro-Palestinian activist with extreme views, which Cellier suggests could be influencing the paper’s editorial stance.

The Influence of Woke Activism and Cancel Culture

Cellier also points to the rise of “woke” activism within Le Monde, claiming that young journalists have created a culture of fear that silences dissent. Many of those interviewed for the investigation chose to remain anonymous, but they provided photographic evidence of far-left propaganda displayed on the newsroom walls. This ideological shift, Cellier argues, has undermined the integrity of the newspaper, which was once viewed as an unbiased source of information.

Le Monde has also experienced strained relations with its readers, particularly following its controversial coverage of the October 7 attacks. The paper faced significant subscriber losses, prompting the newspaper’s reader relations manager to claim that the publication had not shifted leftward, but rather that the French public had become more right-wing.

Dominique Reynié, head of the Fondapol Research Institute, sharply criticized Le Monde, stating that it had "lost its right to be considered France's leading newspaper." Reynié argued that the publication now operates with an ideological agenda, silencing dissent under the guise of moral superiority.

The Le Figaro investigation has sparked a broader debate on media integrity and the normalization of antisemitism within influential institutions. For the French Jewish community, the findings confirm longstanding fears about the rise of antisemitism in mainstream media. Cellier’s report serves as a reminder that media outlets must maintain impartiality and transparency to preserve public trust.