While the organization of the charity concert scheduled for August 27 The opening of the Arkéa Arena in Floirac, intended to help victims of the fires, has been met with numerous reactions. Pascal Obispo published a lengthy message to respond to the criticism. The singer addresses, in particular, the controversy surrounding his hosting of police officers on his property during the fires in the Gironde region, defends his commitment, and calls for refocusing the debate on solidarity with those affected.
Here is the full text of his statement:
« Hello
I wanted to make a small clarification this morning.
We are a group of a few motivated and happy people fighting every day 24/7 to carry out this concert project on August 27 at the Arkéa Floirac (Bordeaux) as well as the show on M6 which will broadcast it simultaneously with calls for donations which will be collected and redistributed by the Fondation de France to the victims of the fires throughout the country.
The ticket office opens this morning. Volunteers, firefighters and artists are all "on deck" to ensure a beautiful moment of humanity.
An exceptional outpouring of solidarity has emerged around this event in just a few days, and it touches us deeply. Our primary objective is to succeed in this endeavor, which at one point seemed impossible, in order to help all those across our beautiful country who lost everything in a matter of minutes. Everyone, in their own way and with their expertise, contributed to the development of this ambitious project, undoubtedly also as a tribute to all those who, during the fire, battled the flames to protect lives and villages. I'm thinking of the unsung heroes and all our valiant firefighters who risked their lives to save others. And those farmers who came from all over the country to lend a hand! It was beautiful! Real people! No empty talk, just concrete actions! Some sadly lost their lives, and we are all deeply affected by that today.
Indeed, I did welcome gendarmes into my home. But I believe I was simply doing my civic duty, and in my own small way, just trying to be helpful during this disaster. This initiative has unfortunately sparked some controversy—which has nothing to do with what brings us together, make no mistake—but it seems important to address it nonetheless. After hearing on the news the day after our evacuation that reinforcements would be arriving in the area, I offered my house and land to the military, as others might have done. The gendarmerie responded positively and established an outpost for a few days to fight fires and conduct patrols around the peninsula, as well as security patrols close to the mission areas, that is, between Arès and the tip of the peninsula known as Cap Ferret. This beautiful peninsula, where all social classes are represented without exception—I want to make that clear for those unfamiliar with the area, to avoid unnecessary and malicious stereotypes—is home to a place where I've been coming since I was six years old, so I can practically say I'm a local.
Faced with the violence of this apocalyptic situation, it was humanly impossible to remain passive without helping these women and men protect our lives, our property, and our villages. Cap Ferret was the lowest strategic location. The gendarmes are sworn professionals who weren't there to play around, but rather to carry out their noble mission. And that's exactly what they did! How could we not help when we had the opportunity, especially in such a situation?
I've spent a large part of my life fighting for causes: the fight against AIDS, the Restos du Cœur (a French food bank charity), the Téléthon (a French telethon for charity), and so on. How could I remain inactive now? I've always wanted to be useful, and I'll try to be as long as God grants me life. A singer or musician can be useful sometimes, even if I know it's nothing compared to the fight of firefighters!
To all those who today devote so much energy and influence to criticism or controversy, I invite you to shift your focus; we need you. Join us!
You'll meet some wonderful people! And you'll realize, if you're objective, that solidarity and mutual support are far more enriching than pitting people against each other. You'll understand, I hope, that giving a little of yourself doesn't get your hands dirty; it can even bring people together and perhaps foster a little more love. Who knows what tomorrow will bring?
A word to the wise. August 27th at the Arkéa.
And thank you all! We won't give up.
To infinity and beyond !
Pascal Obispo »
