Radio-Canada Rejects Guillaume Lemay-Thivierge's Ad Amid Controversy: A New Twist in His Comeback
Guillaume Lemay-Thivierge, the popular actor and host, has found himself at the center of another public controversy, this time involving a commercial that was rejected by Radio-Canada. The ad, intended for airing during the high-profile Bye Bye 2024 broadcast on December 31, was refused by the national broadcaster. Radio-Canada's decision to reject the advertisement has sparked criticism on social media, but the broadcaster has defended its stance, claiming it didn’t want to risk stirring up controversy.
The advertisement was created by Meubles RD, a furniture company, and featured Lemay-Thivierge in his first major media appearance since his involvement in a racially charged joke earlier this year. The ad’s premise includes a humorous exchange between Lemay-Thivierge and comedian Jérémy Demay, where Demay jokes about Lemay-Thivierge's low cost, humorously referencing his recent fall from grace. "The only artist I could afford for the year-end is someone who is really, really cheap," Demay says in the opening line, before the camera reveals Lemay-Thivierge, who responds with self-deprecating humor.
Also Read:- Juventus vs Fiorentina: The Exciting Showdown at Allianz Stadium
- Fulham vs Bournemouth: A Thrilling Premier League Clash Awaits
However, Radio-Canada, citing its internal advertising code, decided not to air the ad, as it deemed it could provoke public debate or controversy. The network’s policy explicitly prohibits advertising that might put them in the middle of such discussions. The refusal has led to a heated debate online, with many questioning whether the rejection was fair or an overreaction. Guylaine O'Farrell, a spokesperson for Radio-Canada, confirmed the rejection but declined to specify how the ad crossed the line. Meubles RD, on the other hand, expressed understanding of the decision, noting that the ad would still run on other networks like Noovo and TVA, as well as on social media.
Lemay-Thivierge, once a beloved figure in Quebec’s entertainment industry, has had a turbulent year. His career took a significant hit earlier in 2024 after he posted a video that was widely considered to be racially insensitive. In the video, Lemay-Thivierge was seen standing next to a tree with a derogatory word carved into it, which he failed to notice. His apology, claiming that he hadn’t seen the word, didn’t prevent him from losing major contracts, including his hosting role on "Chanteurs Masqués."
This controversy was not the first for Lemay-Thivierge. Previously, his refusal to get vaccinated during the COVID-19 pandemic and an awkward, rambling speech at the 2022 Gémeaux Awards had already put him under scrutiny. After months of silence, Lemay-Thivierge made a surprise return to the media scene, first teasing his comeback with a mysterious Instagram video showing him on a film set. His return to television appears imminent, though the rejection of his ad by Radio-Canada suggests his road to full public redemption may still be long and complicated.
While Meubles RD’s marketing director, Philippe Allaire, defended the ad, emphasizing that the company’s goal was to entertain while offering the best prices, it remains clear that public reactions to Lemay-Thivierge's return are mixed. Some feel his comeback is a moment of redemption, while others are uncomfortable with his reappearance in the limelight, given the past controversies surrounding him. Nonetheless, the decision by Radio-Canada not to air the ad serves as a reminder of the delicate balance media networks must navigate when dealing with personalities who have been involved in highly sensitive public scandals.
Read More:
0 Comments