Muslim Couple Faces Racist Backlash Over New Montpellier Restaurant Opening

The announcement of the opening of the restaurant "L’Océan fish", a seafood restaurant, sparked racist and Islamophobic comments on social media due to the image posted on Monday, April 7 on the Facebook page of the local media La Gazette de Montpellier. Taken inside the seafood restaurant, this image shows the owners of the establishment, Abdulilah Iffoudin with his wife Leila, their merchandise, the menu offered for tasting and the prices of the various dishes available. The only problem that angered the anger of some Internet users is the veil of the lady and the name of the couple, with a Maghrebi accent.

"Our France is being invaded. It is imperative to boycott the businesses of these people," writes an Internet user, who has set as the profile picture of his Facebook account an image in support of Marine Le Pen. Another Internet user retorts: "I will never eat in a restaurant where the Islamic veil is in such good standing, sorry." A third Internet user goes further: "They must be put back in the water, direction south." He thus suggests expelling the owners of the establishment, indicates TSA.

"Not for me. The veil is to retrieve the fish in the lakes," writes another Internet user. "Why display yourself with the veil? For me, it’s a bit provocative. Unnecessary in my humble opinion. It’s just my opinion, stated with respect," adds another. "Fish is eaten with a good glass of white wine. Will there be any? If not, these are still people who are not integrated into our customs. They have to come back from where they came from," mocks another Internet user.

In the wake of this, other Internet users defended the Muslim couple. "It’s crazy to see how some people can be filled with hatred and stupidity." "We’re talking about the opening of a restaurant, not a debate on dress choice. Your racist comments are not only misplaced, but also deeply shameful. Racism has no place here or anywhere else. Grow up a bit," writes a Facebook user.