French billionaire Vincent Bolloré in Paris, France, March 24, 2026. GONZALO FUENTES / REUTERS
Conservative billionaire Vincent Bolloré unapologetically vowed on Sunday, April 19, to find new authors for one of France's most prestigious publishers after about 170 said they would leave in protest at political interference. The writers shook the normally genteel world of French publishing by refusing to publish new books with Grasset following the departure of its chief executive, which they blamed on Bolloré. In an open letter, they denounced "an unacceptable attack on the editorial independence" of the publishing house created in 1907.
Bolloré, a devout Roman Catholic who has spent part of his family's fortune on a media empire aligned with his conservative views, expressed surprise at the "uproar" at the publishing house but insisted it would carry on. In a commentary published by the Journal du Dimanche newspaper, which he also owns, Bolloré blamed "a small caste that believes itself above everything and everyone, and that co-opts and supports itself." Despite the protests, "Grasset will continue, and those who are leaving will allow new authors to be published, promoted, recognized and appreciated," Bolloré said.
