nThe final of the Star Academy 2024,broadcast on January 25,2025,was more than just a singing competition. It highlighted a deeper social issue: the racism and misogyny faced by finalist Ebony Cham. Aya Nakamura, a prominent singer, publicly supported Ebony on Instagram, sharing her portrait with the caption, “A disturbing star who is disturbing.” This act of solidarity was significant, as Aya Nakamura herself has faced similar discrimination, particularly during the recent Olympic Games.
Ebony, a 20-year-old singer from Guadeloupe and Martinique, became the target of online racism and sexism, prompting associations like SOS Racisme and the Maison des Potes to file complaints for incitement to hatred. Despite these challenges, Ebony’s journey on the show has made her a symbol of hope for many young artists from minorities.
Marine, a young dentist from northern France, won the competition, but her victory was met with criticism on social media. Many users expressed dissatisfaction with what they perceived as unequal treatment between the two finalists. The hashtags #Staracademy and #Starac were flooded with criticism, denouncing a lack of respect for Ebony.
Aya Nakamura’s support for Ebony is symbolic of the broader fight against racism in popular culture. As a black woman, Aya Nakamura has faced racial and sexist discrimination throughout her career but has achieved global success, demonstrating that black artists can overcome societal stereotypes and obstacles.
The racist and misogynist attacks on Ebony and Aya nakamura highlight the challenges black women face in the cultural industries. Aya Nakamura’s gesture of support sends a strong message to those who continue to discriminate against black women and minorities in the entertainment industry.| Key Points | Details |
|————|———|
| Event | Final of Star Academy 2024 |
| Date | January 25, 2025 |
| Finalists | Ebony Cham and Marine |
| Winner | Marine |
| Controversy | Racism and misogyny against Ebony Cham |
| Support | Aya Nakamura’s Instagram post |
| Associations Involved | SOS Racisme and Maison des Potes |
| Social Media Reaction | Criticism of unequal treatment |
| Symbolism | ebony as a symbol of hope for minority artists |
| Broader Issue | Racism and sexism in cultural industries |
Exclusive Interview: Addressing Racism and Misogyny in Star Academy 2024 with Dr. Amélie Laurent
Table of Contents
The finale of Star Academy 2024, broadcast on January 25, 2025, was more than just a singing competition. It brought to light the deeply rooted issues of racism and misogyny faced by finalist Ebony Cham.In this interview, Dr. Amélie Laurent, a sociologist specializing in cultural industries and discrimination, discusses the broader implications of this controversy and the meaning of Aya Nakamura’s support for Ebony.
Senior Editor: Dr. Laurent, the finale of Star Academy 2024 was heavily scrutinized for the racism and misogyny directed at Ebony Cham. Can you elaborate on how this event highlighted deeper societal issues?
Dr. Amélie Laurent: Absolutely. The finale was a microcosm of the broader challenges faced by black women in the entertainment industry. Ebony, a talented 20-year-old from Guadeloupe and Martinique, became a target of online hate simply because of her race and gender. This isn’t just about one competition; it’s about the systemic barriers that black women face in cultural spaces. The backlash Ebony received underscores the pervasive nature of racism and sexism in our society.
Aya Nakamura’s Act of Solidarity
Senior Editor: Aya Nakamura publicly supported Ebony on Instagram, sharing her portrait with a powerful caption. Why was this gesture so significant?
Dr. Amélie Laurent: Aya Nakamura’s support was monumental because she herself has been a victim of similar discrimination, especially during the recent Olympic Games.By standing with ebony, she highlighted the shared struggles of black women in the public eye. Her post, “A disturbing star who is disturbing,” was a bold statement against the normalization of racism and misogyny. It sent a clear message: black women deserve respect and recognition in the cultural industries.
The Role of Associations in combating Hate
Senior Editor: Organizations like SOS Racisme and the Maison des Potes filed complaints against the online hate directed at Ebony. How crucial is their involvement in addressing such issues?
Dr. Amélie laurent: Their involvement is crucial. These organizations play a vital role in holding perpetrators accountable and advocating for systemic change. By filing complaints for incitement to hatred, they not only support Ebony but also challenge the broader culture of impunity around online harassment. Their actions remind us that racism and misogyny are not just individual acts but societal problems that require collective solutions.
Senior Editor: Marine won the competition, but her victory was met with widespread criticism on social media. Why do you think this happened?
Dr. Amélie Laurent: The criticism stemmed from a perception of unequal treatment between Ebony and Marine. Many viewers felt that Ebony was unfairly targeted and disrespected, which overshadowed Marine’s win. Social media amplified these concerns, with hashtags like #Staracademy and #Starac flooded with critiques. This backlash reflects a growing awareness and intolerance for the discriminatory practices that frequently enough go unnoticed in mainstream media.
Ebony as a Symbol of Hope
Senior Editor: Despite the challenges, ebony has become a symbol of hope for many young artists from minority backgrounds. Can you speak to the broader significance of her journey?
Dr.Amélie Laurent: Ebony’s resilience in the face of adversity is inspiring. Her journey on Star Academy has shown young artists from marginalized communities that they too can pursue their dreams, despite the obstacles. She represents hope and perseverance, proving that talent and determination can transcend societal barriers.Her story is a reminder that portrayal matters and that the fight for equality in the arts is far from over.
The Broader Fight Against Racism in Popular Culture
Senior Editor: what do the events surrounding Star Academy 2024 tell us about the broader fight against racism and sexism in popular culture?
Dr. Amélie Laurent: These events are a stark reminder of the challenges black women face in the cultural industries. From the racist and misogynist attacks on Ebony to Aya Nakamura’s support, this situation highlights the need for systemic change. It also shows the power of solidarity in combating discrimination. The entertainment industry must take concrete steps to address these issues, ensuring that black women and other minorities are treated with the respect and equality they deserve.
