TV host apologizes after she criticized soccer star for leaving World Cup for birth of his son: "The dad is useless"

June 24, 2026 / 2:49 PM EDT

/ CBS/AP

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A well-known French TV host has apologized after she criticized a soccer star's decision to leave the World Cup to attend the birth of his first child.The controversy started after Belgium forward Jérémy Doku announced that he planned to fly to London so he could be with his wife for the birth of their baby. Doku's absence prompted a French commentator, France Pierron, to criticize the player's intention to leave the World Cup. She described childbirth as "a disgusting moment, excuse me, where the dad is useless" during an appearance on the television show "L'Equipe de Choc" on Friday. The comments drew widespread backlash and prompted an apology from Pierron on Tuesday."These remarks are solely my own and in no way reflect a collective position," she posted on X. "I understand that they may have shocked, offended, or hurt some of you, and I am sorry for that."

France Pierron attends Day Eight of the 2026 French Open on May 31, 2026 in Paris, France.