French Rugby Figures Express Displeasure Over Magazine Cover
The renowned actor and conductor of the opening ceremony of the 2023 Rugby World Cup, Jean Dujardin, and the captain of the French XV, Antoine Dupont, found themselves on the front page of a magazine known for its far-right classification on Thursday, September 14, 2023.
“France rugby, yes, your values, no! No recovery. THANKS,” expressed Jean Dujardin, while Antoine Dupont, the captain of the French XV, shared their embarrassment upon discovering their faces on the front page of “Valeurs Current” on September 14, 2023.
“France rugby, yes, your values, no”
The magazine cover featured photos of the two men, symbolizing “France rugby,” alongside an image of a church bell tower in a village. The caption read: “Well-behaved supporters, patriotic players, exemplary values, the recipes of a deep-rooted sport that has become a model for society.”
In response, Antoine Dupont reposted an Instagram story by Jean Dujardin on September 15, 2023. The actor, distancing himself from the cover, wrote: “France rugby yes, your values no. No recovery. THANKS.”
“We featured you on the front page of our newspaper because we are seeking role models and aiming to avoid unnecessary complaints,” the magazine defended its choice. “You mentioned the word ‘recovery.’ Is it because we are a genetically conservative right-wing newspaper? Believe us, we would never associate the word ‘recovery’ if we saw your faces on the front page of ‘Libération,’ ‘L’Humanité,’ or ‘L’Obs.’ Every newspaper has the freedom to express their admiration for you.”