YouTuber Squeezie‘s latest video, which aired on October 19, sparked a heated controversy on social networks. In question, the appearance of guests Alain Chabat and Adèle Exarchopoulos with electronic cigarettes of the “puff” type, a controversial product for its appeal to young people. In a context where prevention campaigns are intensifying to limit the use of the puff, this scene did not fail to provoke strong reactions.
A poorly understood “accessory”
Entitled “Who’s the Impostor?” », the Squeezie show is based on a simple concept: to reveal with the help of its guests the person who is among a group of three participants. In this episode, actors Alain Chabat and Adèle Exarchopoulos were present to promote their film Phew love. However, it was not their detective talent that caught the attention of Internet users, but rather the electronic cigarette that they repeatedly waved on the screen.
Easily recognizable with its colorful design and varied flavors, the puff has established itself as an alternative to traditional cigarettes, especially among young people. But despite its harmless appearance, this product can contain up to 20 milligrams of nicotine, a level that alarms health authorities. And it is precisely this aspect that caused an outcry among Internet users, especially sensitive to the effects of this scene on the young majority audience of Squeezie.
A wave of indignation on social networks
On X (formerly Twitter), several users have not failed to point out the lack of responsibility in the dissemination of such images. “It is disappointing and disrespectful”, “We are already trying to protect young people from these products, it is a shame to show them in such a popular video”, we can read under publications that have thousands of reactions. Another netizen complains: “Adèle pulls on the pouf every five minutes, I think it’s unfortunate that a YouTuber with such a large audience accepts this and broadcasts it. »
Criticism was not limited to X. On YouTube, some viewers also expressed their disapproval in the comments of the video, viewed more than 3 million times in less than 24 hours. “Good video, but shame on the poof. It’s already a scourge among young people, we might as well not encourage them further,” explained one netizen, echoing other comments of the same tone.
A squeezie silence in the face of criticism
At this point, Squeezie, whose real name is Lucas Hauchard, has neither responded to the criticism nor changed the editing of the video. This silence in the face of controversy only fuels the frustration of internet users, worried about the impact this trivialization of the poof could have on young people.
As authorities step up efforts to discourage young people from consuming these products, this video serves as a reminder of the importance of influencers’ responsibility to their large audience, and above all, the impact a simple detail on the screen can have.
