Cannes star slams 'racist' anthem

ACTOR Lambert Wilson has waded into La Marseillaise controversy, branding the words of France’s national anthem “racist”.

The Matrix actor, who will host the opening ceremony at the Cannes Film Festival later today said he thought the lyrics to the anthem were “appalling”.

He told RTL Radio: “I am extremely upset that nobody says it’s time to change the lyrics of La Marseillaise, which are from another time.”

Mr Wilson described the lyrics as “terrible” and “bloodthirsty”, and said: “When I hear the line, Let impure blood water our furrows, I am amazed that we continue to sing it.”

His comments come after right-wing politicians criticised justice minister Christiane Taubira for remaining silent while La Marseillaise was played during a ceremony commemorating the abolition of slavery at the weekend.

She later said that she did not believe in “karaoke on a public platform” - which prompted Front National leader Marine Le Pen to demand Ms Taubira’s sacking.

Others leapt to Ms Taubira’s defence, pointing out that many others did not sing.

Education minister Benoît Hamon, pointed out that he had been standing next to Ms Taubira and had also remained silent. “Why are they attacking Christiane Taubira and not me?” he asked.

Mr Wilson is the latest to demand a change to the words of the French national anthem. Victor Hugo proposed a new version, as did Jean Jaurès, Serge Gainsbourg and Abbé Pierre.

And singer-songwriter Graeme Allwright has written alternative lyrics, which can be found here.

La Marseillaise Translated:

Arise children of the fatherland
The day of glory has arrived
Against us tyranny's
Bloody standard is raised
Listen to the sound in the fields
The howling of these fearsome soldiers
They are coming into our midst
To cut the throats of your sons and consorts

To arms citizens
Form your battalions
March, march
Let impure blood
Water our furrows