Conservative billionaire Vincent Bollore has pledged to find new authors to replace those who have left prestigious subsidiary Grasset in protest at alleged political interference. The protest was triggered by the departure of Grasset's chief executive, Olivier Nora.
Bollore expressed surprise at the 'uproar' at Grasset, while vowing to keep it going with new authors. He blamed a 'small caste' for the protest and reiterated his commitment to publishing all authors who wish to be published.
The protest was sparked by Bollore's takeover of Hachette in 2023, which was welcomed by many conservatives in France. The authors who quit Grasset include philosopher Bernard Henri-Levy and prize-winning writers Virginie Despentes and Sorj Chalandon.
President Emmanuel Macron has responded to the affair by emphasizing the importance of diversity of opinion in the publishing world.