Sandra Laugier on free speech weaponization in France and US
Philosopher Sandra Laugier argues in a Le Monde op-ed that free speech has never been more invoked by its enemies in both France and the United States. She points to the recent crisis at publisher Grasset as evidence of a new brutalization of public space. Laugier contends that popular culture resists this trend far better than certain intellectual circles that believed themselves protected from far-right predation.
Key facts
- Sandra Laugier is a philosopher and academic.
- The op-ed was published in Le Monde.
- Laugier compares France and the United States.
- She states free speech is increasingly invoked by its enemies.
- The Grasset crisis is cited as an example.
- She describes a 'brutalisation of public space'.
- Popular culture is said to resist far-right predation better than intellectual circles.
- The op-ed date is May 8, 2026.
Entities
Institutions
- Grasset
- Le Monde
Locations
- France
- United States