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Rabat – Commenting on French media’s coverage of the Morocco earthquake, Moroccan comedian Gad Elmaleh expressed frustration over the French government and media’s maneuvers and attempts to impart unnecessary lessons to Morocco following the deadly earthquake that struck the country on September 8.
Speaking on C l’Hebdo, a television show on French television channel France 5, the Moroccan comedian stressed that this critical time requires more solidarity and strength instead of criticism.
“We believe that we can give lessons to an entire country,” Elmaleh said, referencing the hostile campaign that some French media outlets have launched against Morocco’s efforts to tackle the crisis.
French media launched a fierce campaign against Morocco following the earthquake, criticizing the Moroccan government non-response to France’s aid offer.
“Everyone does what they can, as they want and as they see it. It’s important to say that in France today we believe that we can teach lessons to an entire country,” Elmaleh emphasized.
He added that France should let everyone manage their countries as they can, as they wish, and as they feel.
The show’s presenter commented on the remarks, suggesting that she sensed anger in El Maleh’s comments.
In response to her suggestion, he stressed that what he said does not show anger, stressing that this critical time is not for debate.
“I hear a lot of comments about how Morocco should behave, how the Moroccan government, how His Majesty should…,” the comedian said, stressing that Morocco taught him that “when you help, it’s not to receive thanks, it’s not to be hailed as a hero.”
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“When you help, it’s because you’re extending a helping hand,” he said.
Elmaleh further stressed that his only mission is to help his country, stressing that “the rest is not his concern.”
“I have contrasted receiving lessons with the great solidarity of the Moroccan people,” he said, describing solidarity and compassion as part of the “DNA” of Morocco’s culture
The journalist further asked Elmaleh about his feelings as a French-Moroccan citizen amid the ongoing diplomatic tension between the two countries, to which he responded that he is “not Franco-Moroccan.”
“I am not Franco-Moroccan, I am an immigrant in France, and I am Moroccan. I deeply love France as an immigrant loves France as immigrants love and respect France,” he explained.
The Moroccan comedian is one of many celebrities who expressed their compassion and solidarity with the victims of the devastating earthquake that struck Morocco on September 8, killing over 2,900 people.
Earlier this week, Elmaleh announced on social media that he will hold a show called “Show solidarite Maroc” on October 2 at the Palais des Sports in Paris at 8 p.m. local time.
The show will last one hour and a half, with two 15-minute segments for each comedian, and sketches in-between. Ticket prices range from 75 to 300 euros, and are available by clicking at the comedian’s website.
