Eurovision is over, but the controversy seems to continue.
During Saturday's final, France's La Zarra - who took to the stage to perform the song "Évidemment" - didn't seem too thrilled with the score, 55 points from the jury and 50 points from the audience.
After the public's points result was given, an unenthusiastic La Zarra appeared on camera reacting to the result: raising one hand, before sticking out his middle finger.
la zarra putting her middle finger up after the public barely gave her any votes is so real of her #eurovision #france pic.twitter.com/f8cSwgIUd1
— riley | CEO of Moldova qualifying (@anaisuberbitch) May 14, 2023
People's reactions were immediate. "The girl from France is pointing the middle finger at people? Are you saying it's our fault you were so bad???” someone said. "Did the girl from France give us the middle finger or did I see it wrong?" said another.
France sticking her middle finger up after their own shit result #eurovision pic.twitter.com/wGetQcfS2z
— India (@IndyFlint) May 13, 2023
However, in an interview with French channel BFM TV, La Zarra - who was born in Canada to Moroccan parents, whose real name is Fatima-Zahra Hafdi - insisted the gesture had been misinterpreted, saying she has a "culture double".
"You have to understand that, although I represent France, I also have a double culture and it is not a negative gesture. Rather, it's just a gesture of frustration that we use between friends,” she said. "However, I understand that in other countries it is considered a different gesture."
From our internet research, sticking out the middle finger is considered a rude gesture even in French, Moroccan or Canadian culture. But ok La Zarra, we believe you! ;)
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