Human Rights League and CGT sue Canal+ over CEO remarks on petition signers

The Human Rights League (LDH) and the CGT labor union filed a civil lawsuit against Canal+ alleging discrimination following statements by CEO Maxime Saada on May 17. Saada made the remarks at the "producers' brunch" during the Cannes Film Festival while responding to an open letter published in Libération on May 11 by the "Zapper Bolloré" collective.

The letter, signed by 600 people, opposed Canal+'s attempted full takeover of UGC, a major French cinema chain. "I saw this petition as an injustice towards Canal+ teams, who are committed to defending the independence of Canal+ and all the diversity of its choices.

And, as a result, I will no longer work, nor do I want Canal+ to work, with people who signed this petition," Saada said.

" They are seeking annulment of the decision under penalty, appointment of a monitor for any discrimination by Canal+, and €10,000 each in moral damages. According to the lawsuit, any breach would carry a penalty of €1,000 per day for three months from the date it is recognized. The organizations argue that Canal+ is undermining the contractual freedom of signatory film professionals.