French Mayor Defends Party's Anti-Antisemitism Stance After DJ Concert Disruption

Bally Bagayoko, the mayor of Saint-Denis, addressed a controversy surrounding La France Insoumise (LFI) after local party members and pro-Palestinian activists disrupted a concert by DJ Barbara Butch in Grenoble. The disruption occurred because Butch had previously supported the Yadan law, aimed at combating new forms of antisemitism, and had performed at the French embassy in Tel Aviv in June 2025. Bagayoko stated that he, personally, would not have welcomed the artist under these circumstances.

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I would not have welcomed her.

Bagayoko asserted that LFI has consistently maintained a clear position against antisemitism. He explained that the party could not ignore Butch's past actions, particularly her support for the Yadan law, which he suggested was a response to an ongoing "genocide." He also pointed to her performance in Tel Aviv as a reason for the party's disapproval, stating that the artist had "distinguished herself by her positions."

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The artist distinguished herself by her positions.

Despite the incident, Bagayoko attempted to distance the party leadership from the actions of the local Grenoble chapter, calling it an "isolated action" for which the party bears no responsibility. He expressed strong disagreement with the projectile throwing that forced the DJ off stage, an act Butch described as "unprecedented violence." Activists distributed flyers depicting the DJ with blood, alongside LGBT and Star of David symbols.

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Our party has no responsibility.

Barbara Butch, who is Jewish, announced she would file a complaint against LFI for incitement to hatred and violence. Bagayoko acknowledged her right to do so, stating that the legal system would determine the facts. He reiterated that if LFI had engaged in antisemitic acts, the law and judges would have already condemned the party.

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She is right to do so.