After threats of boycotts, a pulling of funding, and general distrust of the organizers, the 2026 edition of the Angoulême Comics Festival has been cancelled.
The issue the lead to this is over claims of toxic management and the dismissal of a staff member who had lodged a rape complaint. She was fired after going to the police to report the rape during the 2024 festival. The public prosecutor’s office has opened an investigation into the complaint and she has taken her case to the Paris industrial tribunal to contest her dismissal.
Cultural minister Rachida Dati withdrew €200,000 (£176,000, $231,000) of public funds from the festival and had invited those boycotting it to a meeting.
The festival, first held in 1974, has been managed by 9eArt+ since 2007 even though it is a non-profit. Franck Bondoux the most recent director of 9eArt announced he would step down last week. 9eArt’s contract was recently renewed only inflaming tensions further.
Hundreds said they would “girlcott” the festival in support of the staffer fired along with numerous high profile publishers. Nine organizations and unions representing authors and illustrators stated they would not attend January’s event if it were held. They want the festival to no longer be managed by 9eArt+ with a refocus on rebuilding its values.
With the cancelation it could lead to an economic catastrophe for the local area it is held. The festival attracts over 200,000 visitors each year. The festival would have taken place January 29 to February 1, 2026.
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Source: Graphic Policy
