More than 300 authors and publishing figures are demanding a "conscience clause" in their sector, following the departure of 170 writers from the prestigious French publishing house Grasset. This mass exodus stems from the ousting of Grasset's managing director, Olivier Nora, a move attributed by the authors to the influence of conservative businessman Vincent Bolloré.
The authors cite an "unacceptable attack on the editorial independence" of Grasset, founded in 1907. They argue that shareholder control by Bolloré, who also controls Grasset's parent company Hachette, places their publishing rights and work under question. The movement seeks a balance between corporate freedom and the freedom of creators not to serve agendas they disapprove of.
Prominent signatories include Leïla Slimani, Virginie Despentes, Emmanuel Carrère, Hervé Le Tellier, Maylis de Kerangal, Gaël Faye, and Bernard Henri-Lévy. They contend that French law currently offers no recourse for employees or creators facing a radical shift in editorial line, forcing them to "accept or leave."
Vincent Bolloré, however, has dismissed the protests as the "uproar of a 'small caste.'" He maintains that Grasset will continue to publish new authors and has defended his position as a "Christian democrat" whose companies publish a wide range of voices. Bolloré also pointed to Grasset's "disappointing economic performance" under Nora's leadership and the disagreement over the publication of a book by author Boualem Sansal as factors in Nora's departure.
French politicians are considering legislative action, with proposals for a "conscience clause" in publishing contracts being discussed, and President Macron has indicated the matter warrants "some thought."