During a CNews broadcast of "L'heure des pros" on Monday, February 23rd, writer Richard Millet, 72, controversially referred to singer Aya Nakamura as a "huge Malian singer" while discussing the closing ceremony of the Milan-Cortina 2026 Winter Olympics. Millet made the remark in comparison to the opening ceremony of the Paris 2024 Olympics, stating he preferred "La Traviata" to Nakamura's performance. Fellow panelist Sarah Saldmann immediately criticized his comment as disrespectful, prompting host Pascal Praud to request an apology. Millet eventually apologized, citing his upbringing and the principle of calling things as they are, though this incident follows a pattern of controversial statements from the author, including past remarks about Lucie Castets and praise for Donald Trump's strategy, as well as a history of controversial writings.