Algerian commentator Mehdi Ghezzar has apologized to the Moroccan people following his appearance on the Algerian public channel AL24 News, where he made numerous false claims, particularly about royal advisor André Azoulay and Morocco. «I wish to express my sincere apologies to the Moroccan people», Ghezzar said in a video shared online on Wednesday. «If my words upset, saddened, or hurt you, I am truly sorry. It was not my intention. I was not referring at all to the Moroccan people». In a talk show aired on AL24, earlier this week, Ghezzar described Morocco as «teleguided» by Israel. He falsely claimed that the Moroccan government censored discussions on Palestine and banned demonstrations in favor of the Palestinian by a supposed «royal decree» supported by Azoulay, a Moroccan Jew. Les excuses du garagiste Mehdi Guezzar pic.twitter.com/XvGN4FhEgq — Jebran ?? (@Jebran_Football) August 28, 2024 In his apology, Ghezzar said that his words were taken out of context. «At no point did I criticize the Moroccan people, and if any of you felt at any point upset or hurt by what I said, I sincerely apologize», he stressed. «Everyone who tried to distort my words, we know who is behind it and we know why», he said, insinuating a conspiracy against him. «I want you to know that I have no animosity against the Moroccan people. And for those who tried to make a big deal out of this, may God guide you back on the right path», he concluded. Earlier this week, Ghezzar's remarks on Morocco were condemned by many French citizens and dual nationals, who labeled them as «fake and anti-Semitic». This led to widespread calls for RMC, French TV channel, to end its collaboration with Ghezzar. In response, RMC removed Ghezzar from its show «Les Grandes Gueules», of which he was a frequent commentator. The decision was shared on social media, with the added note that «RMC and the hosts of Les Grandes Gueules dissociate themselves from these remarks made in a personal capacity. They do not correspond to the values of RMC and Les Grandes Gueules».
