The mayor of Laval files a complaint after receiving threats on social networks

A video showing Florian Bercault dancing with members of the Guinean community during an association party is at the origin of these threats.

The mayor of Laval, Florian Bercault, filed a complaint at the end of last week after receiving outrageous and threatening messages on social networks, France Bleu Mayenne reported on Thursday June 27. According to the Laval public prosecutor’s office contacted by France Bleu, an investigation has been opened for threats of crimes or offenses against an elected public official and contempt of a person holding public authority.

It all started with a video posted on Monday June 17 on TikTok, an application very popular with young people: Florian Bercault was filmed dancing with members of the Guinean community during a party organized by the association “Guinea 53”. This video has been viewed more than a million times and is the origin of the threats received by the mayor of Laval.

Florian Bercault was invited to participate in the first edition of the Tabaski festival organized by the “Guinée 53” association. It is the equivalent of the religious festival of Eid celebrated by Muslims in West Africa. The objective of this event in Laval was to raise awareness of Guinean gastronomy and culture, specifies the secretary general of “Guinée 53”, Lancinet Camara. No religious celebration took place, he told France Bleu.

On Sunday, June 16, several hundred people gathered in the Pavement district of Laval around a large barbecue. A Guinean singer hosted the afternoon. The atmosphere was friendly and relaxed. Participants sang and danced in traditional dress. “Everyone is happy. The Mayor is here”sang the Guinean artist, Adama Kampony Kouyaté.

Florian Bercault launched into a few dance steps. It was after this participation in the Tabaski party in Laval that the mayor received threats, according to the Laval prosecutor’s office. The police station is currently carrying out investigations to identify the authors of these messages.

Contacted by France Bleu Mayenne, the mayor of Laval did not wish to respond to the complaint filed. Other elected officials from Laval city hall were also present at this Tabaski celebration, as was the outgoing deputy of Mayenne Guillaume Garot.