Marrakech – Moroccans are in uproar, calling to boycott Algerian‑Belgian comedian Nawell Madani who recently announced he would be performing at Mohammed V Theater in Rabat on April 1.
The controversy escalated after past remarks by Madani resurfaced, which many interpreted as offensive toward Moroccan women.
In an interview on Canal+, Madani said, “There was a little joke we made about Moroccan women practicing witchcraft,” adding, “But people say that.”
Moroccan netizens criticized the comment, saying it tarnishes the image of Moroccan women and misrepresents the country’s cultural identity.
Activists have launched a campaign calling for the cancellation of the show, directing criticism at organizers for continuing to host Algerian artists, despite hostile statements and actions toward Morocco in recent years, whether politically, culturally, or in media discourse.
On X, many users are sharing hashtags such as #boycott_nawell_madani and #boycottmadani, urging organizers to cancel the show.
Separately from the cultural controversy, Nawell Madani was summoned by the Paris prosecutor’s office in 2025 in connection with an incident where she struck a six‑year‑old child in the street, an event she said occurred in a moment of panic while she perceived a threat, according to Le Monde.
The justice system offered an alternative “civic contribution,” instead of a full criminal trial, yet her legal team described her as “deeply affected” by the incident. The child reportedly suffered from minor injuries.
As per Le Parisien, the six-year-old child, accompanied by adults, wanted to take a photo with the comedian but, according to the child’s father, “received a huge blow to the chest.”
