En commission Patrick Sébastien renchérit sur Ernotte et Nagui et annonce qu’il va se venger (en chanson)

Former French television host Patrick Sébastien delivered sharp criticism against France Télévisions leadership during a parliamentary hearing on Tuesday, March 31, 2026. Appearing before the commission of inquiry on the neutrality, functioning, and financing of public broadcasting, Sébastien targeted Delphine Ernotte, the CEO of France Télévisions, and fellow presenter Nagui. The testimony marked a significant moment in the ongoing investigation into the state of public media in France.

The commission heard from several high-profile figures from the network on Tuesday, March 31, 2026. Alongside Sébastien, the panel auditioned Michel Drucker and Jacques Cardoze. While Drucker remains active on France 3, both Sébastien and Cardoze are former figures who expressed significant resentment regarding their experiences with the public broadcaster. According to reporting from HuffPost, the session exposed deep fractures between former talent and current management.

Allegations Against France Télévisions Leadership

During his testimony, Sébastien focused heavily on the circumstances surrounding his departure from the public service. He stated that relationships within the organization remained professional until Delphine Ernotte arrived. He claimed that once she took leadership, efforts were made to ensure his programs did not succeed. Sébastien described his exit as lacking basic human respect, noting that he spent 25 years on the public service without receiving a direct message regarding his termination.

On a tout fait, à partir du moment où Delphine Ernotte est arrivée, pour que mes émissions ne marchent pas (…) et puis on m’a viré dans des conditions très particulières : j’ai passé 25 ans sur le service public et on ne m’a même pas parlé. On ne m’a pas envoyé un mot, un SMS. On a convoqué ma femme en lui disant : “vous lui direz que…”

Patrick Sébastien

Sébastien contrasted his treatment at France Télévisions with his experiences at other major networks. He told the commission that even while working for Silvio Berlusconi at La Cinq, he encountered significantly more humanity and respect for the audience than he found in the public sector under Ernotte. He further alleged that France 2 deliberately leaked his contract details to discredit him following a recent appearance on Cyril Hanouna’s show on M6. Sébastien asserted that only France 2 could have provided those documents.

The former host also accused the management of using public funds against him. He referenced a recent edition of Complément d’enquête on France 2, claiming it contained lies and incredible denunciations. Sébastien told the commission that Madame Ernotte effectively paid for his legal trial using public money. He concluded this portion of his testimony by stating that Ernotte has no place on a public service channel and that he wishes she would leave him alone.

Claims Regarding Prime Time Slots and Nagui

Beyond his conflict with management, Sébastien addressed the scheduling changes that occurred during his tenure. He suggested that favoritism played a role in how prime time slots were allocated, specifically pointing to the production company Banijay, in which Nagui is a shareholder. Sébastien noted that while his own number of prime time specials decreased, Nagui’s proportionally increased.

Commission President Jérémie Patrier-Leitus noted that Sébastien was making serious accusations. In response, Sébastien provided specific numbers to the panel to support his claim. He stated that he previously held 16 prime time slots on Saturdays, split between Années Bonheur and Le Plus Grand Cabaret du Monde. He claimed that after Takis Candilis arrived at France 2, his slots dropped to 10, then 7, and finally zero.

Conversely, Sébastien told the commission that Nagui’s Saturday prime time slots increased during the same period. He outlined a progression where Nagui went from three slots to seven, and eventually to 11. Sébastien invited the commission to draw their own conclusions regarding a potential cause-and-effect relationship between Takis Candilis and Banijay favoring Nagui over him. However, he clarified to rapporteur Charles Alloncle that he did not hold a grudge against Nagui personally.

Je n’en veux pas à Nagui ou a Banijay. Je n’en veux pas à ceux qui acceptent ou l’animateur qui va profiter du système, j’en veux à ceux qui proposent

Patrick Sébastien

A Musical Response Promised

Concluding his two-and-a-half-hour audition, Sébastien announced plans to respond to Delphine Ernotte through his music. He acknowledged that Ernotte had long viewed him as a vulgar character and stated his intention to lean into that perception for his next project. He emphasized that he does not make accusations without proof, distinguishing himself from the investigative journalism he criticized earlier.

Comme je continue de penser que Delphine Ernotte est intouchable, je vais me venger avec une chanson. Enfin, me venger non, mais pendant des années, elle m’a pris pour un personnage vulgaire et grossier (…) et je voudrais lui donner raison dans ma prochaine chanson.

Patrick Sébastien

The hearing on Tuesday, March 31, 2026, highlighted ongoing tensions within French public broadcasting. Sébastien’s testimony provided specific allegations regarding contract handling, scheduling decisions, and the use of public funds. As the commission continues its inquiry, the statements made by Sébastien, Drucker, and Cardoze are expected to contribute to the broader debate on the neutrality and management of France Télévisions.