Gad Elmaleh Faces Backlash for Supporting Morocco in World Cup Match Against France

"Go Morocco. Tuesday we’ll be there. With you. Always," Gad Elmaleh posts on his Instagram page. By expressing his support for the Moroccan women’s team, he has drawn the wrath of French Internet users. Some see it as a betrayal towards France, where his career took off. "Go back there. You whistle French money, and you’re for Morocco, it’s beautiful Monaco," fumed an angry French Internet user. Others argued that as a public figure with a considerable audience, the former companion of Charlotte Casiraghi should remain neutral in international sporting events, especially when they are opposed to his country of residence.

On the Moroccan Internet users’ side, however, his support for the Atlas Lionesses is hailed. They have saluted his attachment to his heritage and his right to support the team of his choice. "He’s Moroccan. It’s normal that he supports his country," commented a Moroccan Internet user on Instagram. They have also praised his sense of patriotism. "We love you, you are really an example of patriotism, bravo," writes another Internet user.

This is not the first time Gad Elmaleh has supported Morocco against France and faced controversy. During the Qatar 2022 World Cup, he had also declared his support for Morocco when they faced France in the semi-finals. "I support Morocco, I support my country of birth," he had said in an interview with RMC.