The French-speaking public broadcaster, RTBF, has apologised for a controversial segment aired last Thursday on one of its programmes, 'Le Grand Cactus.'
Media regulator CSA received numerous complaints regarding the “transphobic nature” and “stigmatising words” of the segment, it said on Monday. Two days later, RTBF expressed “sincere regret” to those offended.
In the contentious segment, Belgian comedian Damien Gillard and French comedienne Cécile Giroud performed a song titled ‘Le 128e sexe’ (‘The 128th Gender’), a parody of ‘3eme sexe’ by the French band Indochine.
Following the complaints, the CSA initiated an investigation. Initially, RTBF responded on social media, stating it did not intend to harm anyone and that the content was a parody on a satirical show.
“To address the situation adequately, it is essential to engage in a deep dialogue with representatives of diversity organisations,” RTBF said in a statement on Wednesday. “Once this process is complete, RTBF will communicate concrete measures.”
Le Soir reported that RTBF head Jean-Paul Philippot was scheduled to meet with representatives of LGBT+ organisations on Thursday.
The segment has been widely shared on social media since the broadcast, sparking significant controversy.
