Investigation Launched into Racist Song Incident at Rodez Nightclub

Rodez – June 24, 2026: The incident that occurred on the night of June 4 to 5, 2026, at the Loft89 discotheque in Rodez is currently shocking the French public. A video filmed in the club’s smoking area shows 6 to 7 young men raising their glasses and shouting racist slogans. The main slogan was “Marine au pouvoir, les Arabes à l’abattoir!” (“Marine in power, Arabs to the slaughterhouse!”).

This video was posted on platforms such as Instagram and TikTok on June 21, 2026, and caused a major backlash. The anonymous filmer reported that the youths repeated the slogans several times. Some nightclub guests were indifferent, while others loudly joined in. The filmer decided to shoot the video after pointing out their behavior.

The management of Loft89 responded immediately, issuing a statement condemning the act. The club also promised full cooperation with investigative authorities. “We strongly condemn this act and are working closely with the relevant authorities,” they stated.

Local politicians also expressed shock and took a stance on the incident. Laurent Alexandre, member of parliament for the Aveyron 2nd constituency, requested a prompt investigation from the public prosecutor on June 21, 2026. Mayor Stéphane Mazars urged swift legal action, saying, “Racism is not an opinion.”

The organization Tajmaât, which defends the rights of the Maghreb community, strongly condemned this incident and began searching for witnesses. The group viewed this scene as a dangerous discourse targeting a specific Maghreb-origin race and characterized it as public incitement to murder.

The Rodez prosecutor’s office has launched an investigation for national incitement, which is being handled by local police. The perpetrators have not yet been identified, but there is speculation that they may be local students. The investigation is ongoing.

This incident is one of several similar cases in France where racist remarks have provoked public controversy and investigations. For example, in March 2026, a candidate of Rassemblement National in Gap was investigated for racist and Nazi-sympathizing statements in an online video.

Repeated incidents highlight the ongoing challenges of racism and discrimination in France, emphasizing the urgent need for strong and swift measures.