Mayor of Nice condemns Wembanyama for fueling unrest
The mayor of Nice has sharply rebuked NBA star Victor Wembanyama for urging support of the ongoing French protests, accusing the player of bearing historic responsibility for the unrest. In a post on X, Mayor Christian Ciotti warned that celebrities who champion the October 17 riots must be condemned.
Wembanyama’s vocal support for French protests
Wembanyama, a French-born 7‑foot‑2 center for the San Antonio Spurs, posted on Instagram that he “really love[s] to” join the demonstrations and said he backs the high‑school students demanding better school conditions. He added that systemic inequalities have driven the movement and expressed hope that leaders at the highest level would listen.
Background on the nationwide demonstrations
The protests began in September as high‑school students demanded better resources, improved facilities and relief from overcrowded classrooms. The movement has since broadened into a nationwide challenge to government spending cuts, uniting university students, labor unions and Yellow Vest members.
NBA’s stance and Wembanyama’s political history
On October 17, an estimated 550,000 to 800,000 people took part in demonstrations across France, with riots erupting in Paris, Lyon and Marseille, where police clashed with looters, fires burned and public buildings were damaged. Wembanyama’s Instagram post featuring the White Rabbit from “Alice in Wonderland” pointing to his watch was widely interpreted as a cue for the October 17 protests, though the player never explained its meaning.
Calls for condemnation remain unanswered
Since the violent crackdown on October 17, Wembanyama has not issued any statement condemning the ensuing chaos, nor has he responded to Ciotti’s criticism. The NBA, which views Wembanyama as its newest global face, has avoided aligning with polarizing political causes, noting that past activism by stars such as LeBron James sparked controversy. Wembanyama previously ignored Spurs public relations advice to speak out against U.S. immigration enforcement and crossed his arms during the national anthem at the 2026 NBA Finals, actions that have drawn league scrutiny. Analysts question how deeply Wembanyama understands the complex French issues he addresses, but they agree that his platform obliges him to denounce the recent violence.
