Macron Dismisses Far-Right Controversy Over Comedian’s Presence on Morocco Trip

"I will make no comment on things that have no interest and are very anecdotal," Emmanuel Macron told reporters who wanted his opinion on this controversy fueled by the far right. "I’m not interested in anecdotes," the French president insisted at the end of his three-day state visit, preferring to dwell on the "historic" nature of his trip to Rabat.

For his part, Yassine Belattar is annoyed that the focus is on his person. "I have a 20-year career in France. I am French, I am Moroccan, so this is a trip where I feel physically legitimate," he said on the sidelines of a reception with the French community in Morocco. "But from now on, the question will have to be asked of Marine Le Pen. That is to say, I would be illegitimate on French territory and illegitimate on Moroccan territory. So if you find me a country that is willing to welcome me..." the comedian ironized.

Belattar took the opportunity to deny the accusations of proximity to Islamism made against him. "What I can tell you is that I am not and that this insult has been sliding off me for years." He added: "You are offending our police services, do you really think they would let someone who is in any way affiliated with the kind of heresy that is Islamism or any kind of extremism get on a plane?"

"I have deep disagreements with people I got on the plane with. But to tell you, it went so well, I saw Retailleau eating couscous. As you can see, people change," Belattar continued, before concluding: "I myself often have very harsh words for Retailleau. You know, for our country, we transcend certain small media squabbles."