Births on February 11

Dieudonné M'bala M'bala, French comedian, actor, and activist

Dieudonné: A Controversial Figure in French Comedy and Activism

Dieudonné M'bala M'bala, born on February 11, 1966, and widely known by his stage name Dieudonné (French pronunciation: ​[djødɔne]), is a French comedian, actor, and political activist whose career has been marked by escalating controversy. Initially celebrated for his provocative humor, he has since faced numerous legal challenges and convictions for hate speech, advocating terrorism, and slander across Belgium, France, and Switzerland.

From Collaborative Success to Controversial Solo Act

Dieudonné first rose to prominence through his highly popular comedic duo with fellow comedian Élie Semoun in the 1990s. Their act, "Élie et Dieudonné," often humorously exploited racial and ethnic stereotypes, which, at the time, was largely perceived as satirical and challenging societal norms. This early success positioned him as a significant voice in French comedy. Parallel to his comedic career, Dieudonné also engaged in political activism, notably standing as a candidate in the 1997 and 2001 legislative elections in Dreux, directly opposing the far-right National Front, a stark contrast to his later political alignments.

The 2003 Turning Point and Escalating Antisemitism Allegations

A pivotal moment in Dieudonné's career occurred in December 2003 during a live television show, "On ne peut pas plaire à tout le monde," where he performed a sketch depicting an Israeli settler as a Nazi. This performance sparked widespread outrage, with many critics and organizations arguing that he had "crossed the limits of antisemitism." Following this incident, several prominent anti-racist organizations in France, including the Ligue Internationale Contre le Racisme et l'Antisémitisme (LICRA) and the Mouvement contre le Racisme et pour l'Amitié entre les Peuples (MRAP), sued him for incitement to racial hatred. Dieudonné staunchly refused to apologize, instead denouncing Zionism, a political ideology supporting a Jewish state in the historical Land of Israel. This denouncement was often interpreted by critics as a veiled form of antisemitism, a distinction that has remained central to subsequent legal battles.

Alliance with the Far-Right and Holocaust Denial

The trajectory of Dieudonné's political and ideological shift became even more pronounced from 2007 onwards. In a dramatic turn from his earlier anti-National Front stance, Dieudonné began to associate with Jean-Marie Le Pen, the controversial leader of the far-right National Front party. The two men developed a public political alliance and personal friendship, further alienating Dieudonné from mainstream political and cultural circles. This alliance was cemented by shared anti-Zionist rhetoric and often, overt antisemitic expressions.

Embracing Holocaust Denial and the "Memorial Pornography" Remark

In 2008, Dieudonné invited Robert Faurisson, a notorious French academic and leading figure in Holocaust denial, to appear on his stage. This act was widely condemned as an endorsement of Holocaust revisionism. During this period, Dieudonné publicly described Holocaust remembrance as "memorial pornography," a deeply offensive remark that trivialized the genocide and further solidified accusations of antisemitism against him. These actions led to a series of legal consequences, with Dieudonné being convicted in court no fewer than eight times on antisemitism charges, reflecting a pattern of hate speech that consistently violated French and European laws.

Bans, Online Presence, and the Notorious "Quenelle" Gesture

As a direct result of his escalating controversial statements and legal convictions, Dieudonné found himself increasingly banned from mainstream media platforms. Numerous scheduled performances were cancelled by local authorities across France, citing concerns over public order and the potential for incitement to hatred. Despite these bans, Dieudonné managed to maintain a significant following by shifting his activities online and continuing to perform at his own theater in Paris. His signature gesture, the "quenelle," became internationally notorious in 2013. Described as an inverted Nazi salute or an anti-establishment, anti-Zionist gesture, it gained widespread attention after footballer Nicolas Anelka used it during a Premier League match in December 2013, sparking a global debate about its meaning and implications.

Government Intervention and International Legal Ramifications

The cumulative impact of Dieudonné's statements and actions reached a critical point in 2013. After he was recorded mocking a Jewish journalist, Patrick Cohen, during a performance, regrettably suggesting it was a pity he had not been sent to the gas chambers, the French government took decisive action. Then-Interior Minister Manuel Valls publicly declared that Dieudonné was "no longer a comedian" but rather an "anti-Semite and racist," signaling a shift in how the state would address his activities. Valls subsequently initiated efforts to ban all Dieudonné's public gatherings, citing them as a significant public safety risk. Consequently, his shows were banned in numerous French cities, a legal measure upheld by the highest administrative court, the Conseil d'État.

Belgian Conviction and Jail Sentence

Dieudonné's legal troubles were not confined to France. On January 20, 2017, the court of appeal in Liège, Belgium, upheld a first-instance sentence against him. This conviction resulted in a two-month jail term and a €9,000 fine for antisemitic remarks made during a performance in Herstal on March 14, 2012, underscoring the international reach of his hate speech and the legal consequences across European borders.

Associations with Mahmoud Ahmadinejad

Further solidifying the perception of Dieudonné's alignment with extreme views, he has notably associated with Mahmoud Ahmadinejad, who served as President of Iran from 2005 to 2013. Ahmadinejad himself has been widely accused of denying the Holocaust and making inflammatory anti-Israel statements. Dieudonné first visited Iran in 2009, reportedly meeting with Ahmadinejad to discuss their shared anti-Zionist views, which critics often interpret as a common ground for antisemitic sentiments. Their continued association was highlighted on February 25, 2015, when Ahmadinejad tweeted, "Visiting an old friend, a great artist." The tweet included photographs of the two men, smiling and with arms around each other, publicly reaffirming their connection and shared ideological standpoints.

Frequently Asked Questions About Dieudonné

Who is Dieudonné M'bala M'bala?

Dieudonné M'bala M'bala, known by his stage name Dieudonné, is a French comedian, actor, and political activist who has gained notoriety for his controversial statements and numerous legal convictions related to hate speech and antisemitism.

What are Dieudonné's main controversies?

His controversies largely stem from antisemitic remarks, including a 2003 sketch depicting an Israeli settler as a Nazi, his characterization of Holocaust remembrance as "memorial pornography," and a 2013 comment suggesting a Jewish journalist should have been sent to gas chambers. He has also aligned with far-right figures and Holocaust deniers.

Has Dieudonné been convicted for his statements?

Yes, Dieudonné has been convicted multiple times – at least eight times in France on antisemitism charges, and in Belgium for antisemitic remarks, resulting in fines and even a jail sentence.

What is the "quenelle" gesture associated with Dieudonné?

The "quenelle" is a gesture popularized by Dieudonné, often described as an inverted Nazi salute or an anti-establishment and anti-Zionist symbol. It became widely recognized and controversial after footballer Nicolas Anelka used it in 2013.

Why were Dieudonné's shows banned in France?

His shows were banned by French authorities, notably under Interior Minister Manuel Valls, due to concerns over public order and the potential for incitement to hatred and racial discrimination, following a pattern of antisemitic remarks.

What is Dieudonné's connection to Mahmoud Ahmadinejad?

Dieudonné has publicly associated with former Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad, who is known for his Holocaust denial and anti-Israel rhetoric. They reportedly met in 2009 in Iran and later in 2015, publicly discussing their shared anti-Zionist views.