Radio-Canada Reporter Relieved After On-Air Antisemitic Remarks

MONTREAL, QC — Radio-Canada has suspended reporter Élisa P. Serret after she made a series of statements on air that Jewish advocacy groups and government officials described as classic antisemitic tropes. The public broadcaster apologized, said the remarks violated its journalistic standards, and relieved Serret of her duties pending further review.

The comments were made during a Sept. 15 broadcast of the RDI programme Sur le terrain. Asked to explain why many Americans remain staunchly supportive of Israel, Serret said, in French, that “my understanding, which is shared by several analysts here in the United States, is that it is the Israelis, in fact, it is the Jews who finance much of American politics, the super PACs. There is really a huge machine behind it.” She continued: “The big cities are run by Jews. Hollywood is run by Jews.”

Entendu sur les ondes de @iciradiocanada :

"C'est que ce sont les Juifs qui financent beaucoup la politique américaine";
"Les grandes villes sont dirigés par des juifs";
"Hollywood est dirigée par des juifs".

Nous avons maintenant droit aux pires mensonges antisémites sur… pic.twitter.com/bXJZFYQyde

— Le CIJA (@CIJAQC) September 15, 2025

The language drew immediate criticism. Radio-Canada issued a written correction and apology, saying Serret’s comments constituted “stereotypical, antisemitic, erroneous and damaging allegations against Jewish communities” and that the remarks contravene its editorial standards. The public broadcaster said it had “decided to relieve the journalist of her duties until further notice.”

Heritage Minister Steven Guilbeault publicly condemned the broadcast, calling the words “pernicious antisemitic tropes” with “absolutely no place on Canadian airwaves.” He said the language of that kind risks normalizing hatred when used by journalists or anyone in positions of trust.

Jewish communal organizations demanded swift accountability. The Centre for Israel and Jewish Affairs said the segment spread “harmful stereotypes,” and other groups, including B’nai B’rith Canada and community watchdogs, amplified the call for a robust editorial response from the public broadcaster. Civic and advocacy groups pointed to the historic danger of conspiracy claims that suggest collective Jewish control of politics, media, or cities.

Media critics also questioned on-air oversight. Video and accounts of the segment show the host, Christian Latreille, did not interrupt or robustly challenge Serret’s characterization as it aired, prompting debate about editorial responsibility during live analysis segments and the required guardrails for opinion and commentary on public networks.

Experts and Jewish advocates explained why the phrases used by Serret are widely understood as antisemitic tropes. International and Jewish organizations cataloguing contemporary antisemitism identify allegations that Jews collectively control government, finance, or media as long-running conspiratorial canards that have historically fueled discrimination and violence. Authorities point to working definitions of antisemitism to distinguish legitimate policy critique from language that invokes these stereotypes.

Radio-Canada’s action follows a broader pattern of intensified scrutiny of media coverage of the Israel-Hamas war and of how public broadcasters handle commentary that conflates Jewish communities and the policies of the State of Israel. Jewish leaders say the cumulative effect of unchecked tropes in mainstream outlets contributes to a climate in which antisemitic incidents have risen and Jewish communities feel increasingly vulnerable.

Legal and ethical observers urged proportionate and transparent steps. Many called for a full internal review of the editorial process that allowed the remarks to air, stronger training on hate speech and stereotyping for journalists, and clear public reporting on the outcome of Radio-Canada’s investigation. Several advocacy groups said they would pursue follow-up meetings with broadcaster leadership to press for systemic reforms.

Serret’s immediate status beyond being relieved of duties has not been publicly detailed by Radio-Canada. The network said it would update the public once its internal review is complete. Meanwhile, the episode has reignited debate in newsrooms and civic institutions over how public media should balance rigorous analysis, accountability, and the protection of vulnerable communities from defamatory generalizations.

For pro-Israel and Jewish readers, the case underscores two linked imperatives: first, that mainstream news organisations must avoid repeating century-old stereotypes that endanger Jewish citizens; second, that when such language appears, it should trigger fast, transparent correction and meaningful institutional reform. The swift public condemnation from government and community leaders in this case reflected that demand for immediate accountability.

This article is based on verified information from Radio-Canada’s public statement, coverage by Noovo/Agence QMI and Canadian Press syndication (via Yahoo News), the Centre for Israel and Jewish Affairs and CIJA statements, and the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance and American Jewish Committee material explaining antisemitic tropes.