Jacques Legros ignites controversy over the Cannes Film Festival
Jacques Legros sparked controversy on RMC by directly attacking the Cannes Film Festival. The journalist, who revealed his salary, denounced an event that he deemed disconnected from the public and popular cinema. Amid controversy over private jets and the festival’s ecological impact, the former face of TF1’s 1 p.m. news also criticized the elitism of celebrities present on the Croisette.
Jacques Legros explodes against the Cannes Film Festival
On Friday, May 15, 2026, Jacques Legros strongly reacted on the set of Estelle Midi on RMC, hosted by Estelle Denis. While the panelists discussed the use of private jets during the Cannes Film Festival, the journalist quickly broadened the topic. Clearly irritated, he criticized the image projected by the event and some of the celebrities present on the Croisette. True to his direct style, he did not hesitate to use particularly harsh words. “What is the Cannes Film Festival? It’s a gathering of assholes,” he declared, accusing the guests of coming “just to show off” in front of photographers. His remarks immediately sparked numerous reactions.
Jacques Legros then continued his criticism of the festival by directly targeting the programming offered at Cannes. According to him, the event is moving away from the public and “real popular cinema.” “These are just films that no one will even go see,” also stated the former substitute host of TF1’s 1 p.m. news. Despite his colleague Fred Hermel’s remarks on the brutality of his comments, the journalist stood by his position without backing down. This statement was particularly noteworthy as Jacques Legros remains a significant figure in mainstream media. After nearly twenty-six years at TF1, he joined RMC in August 2025 as a weekly columnist. He now claims to have a more free and direct voice.
Private jets and ecology: a growing controversy
Jacques Legros’ outburst comes amidst a highly tense atmosphere surrounding the Cannes Film Festival. Several environmental activists have been denouncing the massive use of private jets to transport international stars and American studio executives for several days. According to figures published by the NGO Transport & Environment, about 750 private jets flew to Cannes last year during the festival. This activity reportedly led to the consumption of about two million liters of fossil kerosene. Researchers estimate that this is equivalent to the distance of 30 million kilometers driven by a gas-powered car. Faced with these data, several associations are now demanding strong measures to limit the most polluting travel during the event. Among the voices raised, former pilots and aviation experts have publicly called for a ban on private jets during the Cannes Film Festival. Anthony Viaux, former Air France pilot and signatory of the appeal, denounced a situation he deems “obscene” in a context of climatic crisis and energy tensions. This controversy now goes beyond just cinema and fuels a broader debate on the privileges of celebrities. The Cannes Film Festival, regularly criticized for its elitist image, thus encapsulates the tensions between international prestige and environmental concerns. With his very strong statements, Jacques Legros has added a new dimension to a particularly sensitive controversy.
