Controversy Surrounds Literary Event as Authors Boycott Over Jordan Bardella's Presence

Several writers withdrew from L'Express's annual best-sellers luncheon, citing objections to the inclusion of far-right politician and author Jordan Bardella.

• Jordan Bardella, leader of the Rassemblement National, was invited to L'Express's annual best-sellers luncheon after his autobiography sold nearly 190,000 copies.
• Multiple authors, including Kamel Daoud, Gaël Faye, and Sandrine Collette, declined to attend, citing discomfort with Bardella's participation and his political affiliations.
• The event, typically marked by a group photo of attendees, saw significant disruptions, including the cancellation of the traditional photo due to low attendance and protests.
• L'Express justified Bardella's inclusion, stating their policy of inviting all authors featured in their best-sellers list regardless of political stance or controversy.
• The situation has reignited debates within the literary community over the ethics of engaging with politically polarizing figures in cultural events.

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