French television presenter Faustine Bollaert has hit back at online critics who left insulting comments about her physical appearance on Instagram.
The 47-year-old broadcaster had posted an informal video recorded on her mobile phone in her garden on Thursday to announce the upcoming return of her daytime talk show, Ça commence aujourd'hui, on French public channel France 2.
While several followers praised her natural look, warmth, and cheerful mood, numerous social media users responded with harsh personal criticism. Unfiltered comments claimed that the host was unrecognizable, argued that she had aged noticeably, and targeted specific facial features, including her nose, eyebrows, and wrinkles.
Response to social media comments
The wave of negative reactions prompted Bollaert to post a follow-up message addressing the controversy directly. She wrote that while hurtful comments usually do not bother her, she felt stunned and saddened to see that many of the attacks came from other women.
Addressing her followers, she stated that she had not undergone any cosmetic procedures. She explained that she is 47 years old, has spent her life laughing and enjoying the sun, and had simply recorded a video without makeup in her garden.
Bollaert added that at 47 she has wrinkles and fully intends to keep laughing enough to gain more of them in the future.
She also questioned why it had become so commonplace to comment cruelly on a person's physical appearance online, writing gratuitous insults behind a screen that people would never say to someone face to face.
Support from broadcasting colleagues
Following her statement, several prominent French television figures and public accounts posted messages of solidarity on her Instagram page.
Television presenter and producer Arthur described her as perfect, while fellow broadcaster Estelle Denis urged her to ignore the critics and change nothing. Food columnist Mercotte, who previously co-hosted the baking competition Le meilleur pâtissier alongside Bollaert, agreed completely with her message.
France Télévisions political journalist Caroline Roux praised the presenter as sublime and unfiltered. The official account for skincare brand Nivea also commented to commend her response.
Return of long running talk show
Bollaert is one of the most recognizable faces on French public broadcasting. She has hosted Ça commence aujourd'hui on France 2 since 2017, a daily program where guests share personal stories and life experiences.
The upcoming season, scheduled to launch on Monday, August 24, marks the 10th anniversary of the popular testimonial show on the network.
