Groupe des familles LGBT, representing LGBT families, has initiated a criminal complaint against the Seattle-based streaming service Amazon Prime. The complaint stems from the replay of the football match held on September 24 between Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) and Marseille, in which homophobic chants were distinctly audible.
Homophobic Chants During PSG-Marseille Match
During this heated match between the rival teams, PSG supporters at the Parc des Princes stadium were reported to have chanted homophobic slogans targeting Marseille players. This incident, which lasted for about 10 minutes, was noted by an Agence France-Presse reporter covering the game. Additionally, four PSG players, including Randal Kolo Muani and Ousmane Dembélé, received suspended one-match bans for participating in these chants.
The Basis of the Complaint
The legal complaint filed by Groupe des familles LGBT highlights a specific provision of the French criminal code. According to this provision, while broadcasters are not held responsible for offensive content during a live match, they are liable for such content in replays. The complaint specifically points out that the homophobic chants were clearly heard during the replay of the match on Amazon Prime. LGBT rights groups Mousse and Stop Homophobie have also announced plans to join the complaint, citing public insults and incitement to hatred or violence based on sexual orientation.
Amazon Prime’s Response
In response to the legal action, an Amazon spokesperson stated that the match was no longer available on Prime Video at the time the complaint was made public. The spokesperson emphasized that Amazon, as a broadcaster, does not condone the comments or behavior of certain fans. Reinforcing their stance, the spokesperson asserted, “Homophobia has no place in sport or in society, and we condemn it, like all forms of discrimination, in the strongest possible terms.”
This case underscores the ongoing challenges and responsibilities faced by broadcasters in moderating content, particularly in sports where emotions often run high. It also highlights the broader issue of discrimination in sports, emphasizing the need for continued vigilance and action against any forms of bigotry or hate speech.