This star presenter of France 2 was accused by colleagues of brutal and toxic management methods. The host defended himself this week.
An iconic morning show on France 2, a must-see for French viewers, is in turmoil. Its star presenter for three seasons has been plunged into the heart of a major controversy this week, since the publication of a Télérama investigation into the behind-the-scenes of the show. Several employees have denounced inappropriate management methods, describing a toxic and oppressive work environment.
The anonymous testimonies of some Télématin employees, published in Télérama, depict an authoritarian and capricious leader, imposing excessive pressure and frequently resorting to humiliation. One employee reports: “We listen to the emperor give his opinions and shoot at us, he humiliates, it’s degrading”. A deleterious atmosphere that seems to generate real terror within the team. A former employee adds: “I came with butterflies in my stomach. I thought about changing jobs”.
The reports also highlight last-minute cancellations of guests without explanation, sending programmers scrambling to find replacements. One former programmer says she has had “horror Sundays” due to these unpredictable changes, explaining that she often cried because of the intense pressure.
Frequent sick leave and even a suicide attempt have been reported. Stéphanie Khayat, a former journalist in charge of scheduling guests, testifies to her exhaustion: “I worked six days a week. They asked the impossible of me. However, I warned very quickly that I would not keep it up. For me, there is a before and an after. They ruined me.”
Faced with these accusations, Thomas Sotto presented his defense by insisting on his desire to improve the show and push his team to give their best. “I want us to play the ball. And if we lose, it doesn’t matter. What I don’t like is when we didn’t try. Do I put pressure on the teams? Yes, probably, because that’s part of my job,” he explained. Sotto acknowledges that he can be demanding and admits to having desires that sometimes have no limits, but he insists that he has tried to correct his methods over time.
The host says he is deeply hurt by the criticism and describes a caricature of himself that does not correspond to his reality. “Yes, I can be demanding, in a good or bad mood. I am very frank, I say things face to face,” he says. Despite the accusations, he receives support from some colleagues, including columnist Christelle Ballestrero and his co-host Marie Portolano, who praised his professionalism this week.
The management of France 2, through the voice of Stéphane Sitbon, number 2 of the channel, recognizes the difficulties inherent in the production of Télématin due to its schedules and its specificity. However, it promises to take its managerial responsibilities. Two audits were carried out by the independent firm Secafi, which highlighted “managerial practices experienced as deviant”. Rumors are already circulating about a possible departure of Thomas Sotto at the start of the school year, leaving the future of Télématin uncertain.