'Won’t Be Hostages': Over 100 Writers Quit Historic French Publisher Over Rightwing Owner

Last Updated:April 16, 2026, 23:39 IST

Among those joining the walkout were Vanessa Springora, whose bestselling memoir Consent exposed abuse by a prominent novelist, and Laurent Binet.

More than 100 writers severed ties with one of Editions Grasset’s most prestigious publishing houses in a dramatic protest against its owner, conservative billionaire Vincent Bollore, whose expanding media empire has faced accusations of promoting reactionary and far-right ideas. In an unprecedented revolt, authors including acclaimed novelist Virginie Despentes and philosopher Bernard-Henri Levy signed an open letter announcing their departure from Éditions Grasset.

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“We refuse to be hostages in an ideological war that seeks to impose authoritarianism everywhere in culture and the media," the writers declared, asserting, “We don’t want our ideas, our work, to be his property."

Among those joining the walkout were Vanessa Springora, whose bestselling memoir Consent exposed abuse by a prominent novelist, and Laurent Binet. The authors also said they would pursue legal action to regain rights to earlier works published under the Grasset imprint, long regarded as a cornerstone of French literary life.

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The protest was triggered by the departure of longtime Grasset chief Olivier Nora, who had led the house for 26 years and was widely seen by writers as a buffer against political interference. His exit was reportedly forced.

Though no official explanation was given, French media linked the move to controversy surrounding the acquisition of a forthcoming book by Boualem Sansal.

Writer and journalist David Dufresne publicly tore up his Grasset contract on television, saying Vincent Bollore was dealing in “commerce and ideology, not literature or essays."

The walkout adds to growing concern in France over Vincent Bollore’s reach across publishing, broadcasting and newspapers. His holdings include Hachette Livre, one of the world’s largest publishing conglomerates, as well as the news channel CNews and newspaper Le Journal du Dimanche.

Critics said that the concentration of cultural power in one empire poses risks to democratic debate. Supporters of Vincent Bollore argue he has diversified viewpoints in French media and insists his investments are commercial, not ideological.

Another historic house under the same umbrella, Fayard, has recently signed several prominent right-wing authors, including Jordan Bardella and Philippe de Villiers.

Writer Colombe Schneck, who helped organize the letter, said the movement united authors from across the political spectrum.

“We can’t let all the publishing houses of the Hachette group become far-right," she said.

News world 'Won’t Be Hostages': Over 100 Writers Quit Historic French Publisher Over Rightwing Owner

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