In the wake of considerable backlash, Algerian commentator Mehdi Ghezzar has issued a formal apology to the Moroccan populace. This comes after his controversial appearance on the Algerian public network AL24 News, during which he made several erroneous statements, notably regarding royal advisor André Azoulay and Morocco.
“I extend my heartfelt apologies to the Moroccan people,” Ghezzar conveyed in a video posted online on Wednesday. “If my statements have caused distress, sorrow, or offense, I am genuinely remorseful. That was never my intention. My remarks were not directed at the Moroccan people.”
Earlier this week, on an AL24 talk show, Mehdi Ghezzar RMC portrayed Morocco as being “manipulated” by Israel. He erroneously alleged that the Moroccan government had suppressed discourse on Palestine and prohibited pro-Palestinian demonstrations through a purported “royal decree” endorsed by Azoulay, a Moroccan of Jewish heritage.
In his apology, Ghezzar claimed that his comments had been misconstrued. “At no juncture did I intend to criticize the Moroccan people. If my words have caused any distress, I sincerely apologize,” he emphasized.
He further suggested a conspiracy behind the backlash. “Those who have attempted to distort my words know who they are and their motives,” he implied.
Ghezzar concluded his statement by affirming his lack of animosity towards the Moroccan people. “For those who have exaggerated this matter, may you find guidance,” he added.
The remarks by Mehdi Ghezzar RMC faced widespread condemnation from French citizens and dual nationals, who denounced them as “false and anti-Semitic.” This led to calls for the French TV channel RMC to sever its association with Ghezzar.
In response, RMC decided to remove Ghezzar from its show “Les Grandes Gueules,” where he was a regular commentator. The network announced on social media that “RMC and the hosts of Les Grandes Gueules distance themselves from these personal remarks, which are not in line with the values of RMC and Les Grandes Gueules.”
