Channel sanctioned over 'hand on genitals' live show
A television channel that broadcasts a popular prime time television show has been sanctioned after a presenter grabbed a female colleague's hand and placed it on his genitals.
The Conseil Supérieur de l’audiovisuel imposed the sanctions after numerous viewers complained of sexism and homophobia on the show. The three week sanction prevents Touche pas à mon poste, presented by Cyril Hanouna, from airing commercials during its broadcast and for 15 minutes before and after, and also applies to repeats.
The CSA (Conseil Supérieur de l’audiovisuel) received a record 40,000 complaints following episodes aired in November and December 2016. In one episode, Mr Hanouna grabs the hand of a female colleague and places it on his genitals. It was deemed by the CSA to be in violation of a law put in place to counter violence against women, stereotyping and anything that could have a negative impact on a young viewing public.
Mr Hanouna, the outspoken host of live show Touche pas à mon poste, has drawn previous criticism for sexist and homophobic actions on air. In May last year the CSA received over 20,000 complaints after Hanouna tricked gay men on live television into revealing their sexual fantasies. He was denounced on social media by LGBT groups.
The CSA had issued previous warnings to the Touche pas à mon poste team. The show is the main draw for the C8 channel and brings in hundreds of thousands of euros per episode in advertising revenue.
