The demonstration opened this Wednesday on a lively controversy Wednesday. 9e Art+, the organizing company of this major annual meeting, is on the hot seat. According to a survey of Humanity on Sunday, To the financial losses would be added aggressive management. And an employee would have been raped there, before being dismissed.
French comic book publishers said Wednesday wish to question the organization of the Angoulême International BD Festival, shaken by heavy losses and management problems, on Wednesday. While the 52 openede edition of this famous festival, the National Edition union, professional organization of the sector, said in a press release “Deep concern”.
“The facts reported by the press are extremely serious”he explained, in reference to a survey of Humanity Magazine . The weekly reported rape accusations from an employee of the organizing company by a man outside 9e Art+. According to her, these accusations would have led to her dismissal. Humanity Magazine has also reported testimonies on aggressive management methods.
Financial problems, with losses filled by local communities, has been there for several years. But on the occasion of the market renewal to organize the festival in 2027 and beyond, which will be played in the year, the SNE said to hope for a process where 9e Art+ will be put in competition. « SNE comic book publishers urgent », said the union.
In everyday life Charente Librethe general delegate of the festival and founding president of 9e Art+, Franck Bondoux, refuted the accusations of the weekly. For him, the dismissal of the employee who said she was the victim of a rape “Is purely linked to his attitude in the professional context”. The festival wrote in a press release that« at no time did the organization of the company failed in its obligations vis-à-vis this employee ». And regarding management methods, “There has never been a fact proven to harassment”replied Franck Bondoux.