Sébastien Cauet has confirmed that he was approached by NRJ to return to the airwaves for the 2026-2027 season. Nearly three years after removing him from their schedule, the station reportedly tried to convince its former host with a substantial financial offer. However, the offer was insufficient. Now working at Europe 2, Cauet says he has chosen to remain loyal to the radio station that gave him the opportunity to resume his career after a long absence. His name had notably been mentioned as a possible replacement for the afternoon slot left vacant by Camille Combal's departure from NRJ.
NRJ is trying to win back its former presenter
Cauet directly addressed NRJ's approaches on his YouTube channel. Without revealing the amount offered or the identity of those he spoke with, he acknowledged that the station tried to lure him back. The radio host maintains, however, that he did not hesitate to continue his work at Europe 2. "I think we're very, very good here. There's a time for money and there's a time for loyalty. And when the work isn't finished...", did he declare.
This response closes the door, at least for the next season, on Cauet's return to NRJ. The presenter believes that the show, launched on Europe 2 in April 2025, still needs development and that leaving after only a few months would be premature.
"Europe 2 was there when nobody else was."
Cauet particularly emphasizes the trust placed in him by Europe 2 upon his return to radio. The station entrusted him with its morning show on April 28, 2025, from Monday to Friday between 7 a.m. and 11 a.m., surrounded by several long-standing members of his team. "Europe 2 was there. We haven't finished the work on Europe 2, we're only just beginning. I'm thinking of the loyalty of the people who were there when no one else was.", he explains.
The presenter acknowledges that offers may come from competing radio stations, but believes he cannot immediately leave those who offered him this new position. "You have to know when to stay when offers come from elsewhere. You have to know when to be there for the people who have been there.", he continues. His commitment to Europe 2 was even strengthened in April 2026, when the station also entrusted him with a late afternoon show, in addition to the morning show.
Cauet refuses money and defends the stability of his show
Beyond his relationship with Europe 2, Cauet says he's thinking of his listeners. He believes another station change, just a year after his return, could jeopardize a show that's still relatively new. "Leaving too soon isn't good. And it's not even good for the listeners.", he says.
The presenter clarifies, however, that he does not harbor any particular anger towards NRJ despite the circumstances of his departure. "I'm not angry with NRJ."He assures us, without definitively closing the door to a more distant collaboration. However, for the fall of 2026, his decision is made: Cauet will remain at Europe 2 and refuses the offer from his former station.
A brutal dismissal from NRJ in November 2023
Sébastien Cauet was taken off the air at NRJ on November 22, 2023, following the revelation of a first rape complaint. At the time, the radio station and the presenter officially presented this decision as a "temporary withdrawal" decided by mutual agreement. His show C'CauetThe show he hosted daily was immediately taken off the air. The host has since been charged with rape and sexual assault. He denies the accusations and remains presumed innocent. The relationship between NRJ and Cauet then became strained in court. The host and his production company, Be Aware, sought compensation after their collaboration ended.
Cauet had lost his legal battle against the station
On May 7, 2024, the Paris Commercial Court ruled that the contract between NRJ and Cauet's production company had become null and void. The radio host's claims were rejected. This decision was upheld by the Paris Court of Appeal on November 15, 2024. Cauet's claims for compensation were once again dismissed, bringing an end to his contractual dispute with his former employer.
Less than two years later, NRJ reportedly tried to bring him back with a substantial financial offer. Cauet doesn't deny the existence of this offer, but believes the time isn't right to return to the station. The presenter has therefore chosen Europe 2, citing loyalty, the stability of his team, and the respect of the listeners who have followed him since his return. NRJ, for its part, will have to find another solution to rebuild its afternoon programming for the fall.
