The mayor of Nice, France, rebuked Victor Wembanyama for supporting the ongoing protest movement in France, accusing the NBA star of encouraging unrest.
“French celebrities like the basketball player Victor Wembanyama, who called for supporting the riots of October 17, bear a historic responsibility,” Ciotti wrote on X. “They must be condemned.”
For background, the protests began in September with high school students claiming they were demanding better conditions in French schools, including more resources, improved facilities and relief from overcrowded classrooms. The movement has since expanded into a broader protest against government spending cuts, drawing support from university students, labor unions and members of France’s “Yellow Vest” movement.
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The unrest escalated significantly on Oct. 17, when an estimated 550,000 to 800,000 people participated in demonstrations across France. Rioters broke out in several major cities, including Paris, Lyon and Marseille. Rioters and looters clashed with police, set fires, damaged public buildings and looted businesses.
Earlier this month, Wembanyama, who was born in France, wrote on Instagram that he’d “really love to” join the protests.
“These are systemic inequalities, problems that are so deep,” he added when asked about the demonstrations during a preseason postgame press conference on October 8.
“I’m glad that high school students, young people in general, are making their voices heard, because I hear them and I support them. And I hope the people at the very top will do the same.”
Then, on Oct. 16, the eve of the nationwide demonstrations, Wembanyama posted a cryptic image of the White Rabbit from “Alice in Wonderland” pointing to his watch. Some in France interpreted the post as signaling anticipation for the Oct. 17 demonstrations, though Wembanyama did not explain its meaning.
Wembanyama has not publicly commented on the protests since the widespread violence on Oct. 17.
As the emerging face of the NBA, Wembanyama has shown he’s more LeBron James than Michael Jordan in his approach to political issues. Last January, he said he ignored the advice of Spurs public relations and spoke out against ICE in America anyway.
“PR has tried, but I’m not going to sit here and give some politically correct [answer],” Wembanyama told reporters. “Every day I wake up and see the news, and I’m horrified. I think it’s crazy that some people might make it seem like or sound like the murder of civilians is acceptable.”
During the NBA Finals, Wembanyama drew attention for crossing his arms during the playing of the U.S. national anthem. Later in the series, he reportedly stayed off the court entirely during the anthem.
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It would behoove the NBA for its biggest star to not align himself with polarizing political causes. James did little to help his own or the league’s popularity when he embraced political activism.
I suspect Wembanyama’s commentary and demonstrations, whether about America or France, won’t help the league’s popularity either.
One must also wonder how informed Wembanyama is about the issues on which he comments. This tends to be the question when athletes and celebrities speak out about complicated issues.
His initial support was for students protesting conditions in French schools. Fine. However, the movement he encouraged has since grown into something much larger and, at times, much more violent.
Wembanyama was willing to lend his considerable platform to the demonstrations when they represented a cause he supported. Now that those demonstrations have been accompanied by widespread violence, he ought to use that same platform to condemn it.
So far, he hasn’t. Nor has he responded to Mayor Ciotti’s criticism of him.
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