During a municipal support meeting in Lyon on February 26, 2026, Jean-Luc Mélenchon joked about the pronunciation of Jeffrey Epstein's name, triggering widespread antisemitism accusations from political leaders across the spectrum. Former Prime Minister Dominique de Villepin condemned the remarks as an act of political irresponsibility, lamenting a sacrifice of the left. Mélenchon defended his words, accusing critics of inciting violence against La France insoumise.
On February 26, 2026, during a meeting in Lyon supporting La France insoumise (LFI) municipal candidate Anaïs Belouassa-Cherifi, Jean-Luc Mélenchon paused in a critique of media coverage of judicial cases. 'Except when it comes to the Epstein affair,' he slipped in, before adding: 'Ah... I meant Epstine, sorry. It sounds more Russian, Epstine, huh… So now you'll say Epstine instead of Epstein, Frankenstine instead of Frankenstein. There you go, everyone understands how to do it.' These remarks, made before about 2,000 militants, aimed to suggest biased media framing in the Epstein case, involving the American pedocriminal who died in 2019, whose ties to influential figures have been revealed.
The reaction was immediate and unanimous. CRIF President Yonathan Arfi called the words a 'conspiratorial delusion with real antisemitic undertones' on X. Emmanuel Macron reposted an old speech against 'far-left antisemitism.' Government spokesperson Maud Bregeon denounced an electoral strategy based on 'political violence and antisemitism.' Gabriel Attal called it a 'monstrosity,' while Aurore Bergé stated that 'antisemitism in France is spelled in three letters: L-F-I.' PS leader Olivier Faure and Ecologist head Marine Tondelier expressed outrage, the latter exclaiming: 'Nothing is right in these remarks. Enough is enough!'
Dominique de Villepin, in a long X post on February 27, regretted the 'sacrifice of the far left' and warned of radicalization leading to violence. 'Wordplay on Jewish-sounding family names recalls too many bad memories,' he wrote, urging Mélenchon to clarify his stance on antisemitism a year before the 2027 presidential election.
Jean-Luc Mélenchon hit back on X: 'I ironized about the intent to make 'Epstine' a name to 'russify' the problem. Dismaying reaction from those who see antisemitism in it.' LFI coordinator Manuel Bompard denounced a 'smear campaign.' These accusations fit into ongoing controversies against Mélenchon, particularly since the October 7, 2023 attacks in Israel, which he has always denied.
