Celebrity

Eurovision: The singer explains the meaning of the middle finger gesture

Shkruar nga Anabel

16 Maj 2023

Eurovision: The singer explains the meaning of the middle finger gesture

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.

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.

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! ;)