Audience: You have just finished the piece Requiem pour une conne. What conclusions do you draw from this passage to the theatre?
Afida Turner: Fantastic sensations, direct contact with the fans. I didn’t expect such a thing. When I was younger, I did the Cours Florent to be spotted by a major Hollywood producer. (Laughs.) But there, it was magical. We sold out every day, without promotion! Anyway, my life is a play…
Why didn’t you get a promo? Does your name scare?
Turner is the biggest name in the world! But there is a lot of jealousy in France. If you are not a child of the ball, it displeases.
How do you take the attacks, including those of TPMP People?
It was sexist, racist, petty bourgeois, corny. Seeing a woman in latex is Laurent Fontaine’s fantasy, he didn’t know how to react. When he says it’s dirty, it’s racist: he wouldn’t have said that to a Norwegian blonde. What he did is unacceptable.
“With Ronnie, we are a rock’n’roll couple!”
Would you see yourself living in France again to start a career in theatre?
No. I am at home in the United States. I like the anonymity, and the healthier life. We drink less alcohol, we go out less, we are all day at the gym and, at 9 p.m., we are in bed. It’s OK for me. People imagine that I spend my time drinking champagne, but I like to lock myself in my hotel room, without seeing anyone. The perfect evening is a soup, a tea, a massage and Arte. I like to learn about philosophy, the life of animals, the lives of kings and queens… Otherwise, I don’t turn on the TV.
So you’re not following the campaign?
No, I’m not going to vote. I’ve completely quit politics since the cheating on Donald Trump’s election. It bothered me.
Are you still a fan of him?
I really like the person, the businessman. He had the balls to take all the criticism, jealousies and banana peels.
In 2017, you saluted the election of Emmanuel Macron, a “young king”. Five years later, what do you think?
Difool from Skyrock called him for dinner, but he didn’t answer. (Laughs.) I’m waiting. Brigitte likes to make mushroom omelettes for her husband: I can go, the more the merrier.
“At 15, I was begging”
In 2020, your comments on the Covid caused controversy. Where are you ?
I’ve never caught it and I’m against the vaccine. Vaccinated women no longer have their periods. Me, I’m 45, I have to have children. I don’t want to mess myself up.
In 2016, you had a miscarriage. Does it scare you?
I had a fibroid. But here, everything is fine.
With Ronnie, you celebrated your fifteenth birthday. What’s your secret to lasting?
We’re a rock’n’roll couple, we do what we want! He’s the child of two rock stars. It includes my dresses, my fishnets. He doesn’t give a damn about how men look at me!
You have been through abusive relationships before him. You must be happy that women’s voices are being released…
I had very, very, very abusive relationships. So, I’m happy with this movement, but when you’ve been beaten or raped, it’s not something you say. Not out of fear of reprisals, just out of modesty.
Your childhood was very painful, between host families, homes… What consequences do you keep?
I am overwhelmed by the love of the public. But the fact of not having had a dad or a mom created an enormous sensitivity in me. My social class also marked me. I was not part of the seraglio. I was the first Métis on TV! In 2002, I was the first girl to rap in a thong.
Did you work very early?
Yes, teenager, I had several jobs, in restaurants. I did the dishes, the housework, I washed the toilets… In fourth grade, I also begged with school friends. We were 15, we put on miniskirts and lipstick and came back with 300 bullets in one or two hours. We could then go to McDo or Flunch. Grandmas gave me a lot of money! They said: “This little one, she will go far!”
Are you afraid of becoming poor again?
No way ! I have savings. I’ve been working for twenty years! I struggled too much, I do not slam everything. When you have experienced hunger, you pay attention.
Do you do product placements?
No, I am not a teleshopping salesperson.
You explain being a man in a woman’s body. That is to say ?
I’m a real guy inside. Do you realize what I’m doing in this little body? I get up, I go to TV, I find myself in a trap with assholes. We have the impression of being in the time of Cleopatra when we were thrown to the lions: I have to defend myself against all these patients.
Does it annoy you to be told redone?
Who says that ? People saw me in the Loft, 43 kilos. I was super good. Even more than in 2022! I gained 15 kilos, with age. Surgery, why not when I’m 65-66 years old, and three or four children. When you’re beautiful like me, you have the right to put things in their place. It’s like a Rolls-Royce: you can afford a service.
Is reality TV over forever?
Me, I am a star in reality.
Key dates
1. December 22, 1976
Hafidda Messaï was born in Auchel, in Pas-de-Calais. When she was 2 years old, her father beat her mother to death. She will live in foster homes and families.
2. 2002
She joins the second season of Loft Story under the name of Lesly. She explains that she wanted to make herself known to break through as a singer.
3. 2007
She marries Ike and Tina Turner’s son, Ronald (known as Ronnie). She explains their longevity by the freedom they allow themselves.
4. 2022
Return to Paris to play the play Requiem pour une conne. A resumption of contact with the theater, where she has other projects.
See also: Afida Turner: her cash secrets on Loana
Interview by Maëlle Brun