Comic Book Authors Plan Historic “Girlcott” of Angoulême Festival Following Allegations of Sexism and Exploitation
Angoulême, France – A wave of outrage is building within the comics community, culminating in a planned “girlcott” of the 2026 Angoulême International Comics Festival.The protest stems from allegations of sexism and unfair treatment leveled against artist Chloé, and broader concerns about the festival’s handling of gender-based violence and its increasingly commercial focus.
The movement gained momentum after a WhatsApp group formed in response to the appointment of RC to lead the festival, quickly evolving into a platform for discussion and coordinated action. Designer and feminist Mirion Malle leveraged the group’s energy, publishing Instagram posts detailing the festival crisis and the specifics of Chloé’s case, garnering millions of views. According to Malle, “Instagram allows us to inform the public, go beyond the comics world, and show that artists are not disconnected, but precarious workers like any other.” She emphasized that while “the scandal created a spark,” it doesn’t diminish the ongoing harm caused by Violences Sexistes et Sexuelles (VSS) – gender-based and sexual violence. “The limits have been crossed many times.This has to stop.”
A manifesto published today, signed by 285 prominent authors, echoes these concerns, demanding “a more ethical treatment of individuals (…) so that comics are considered as a cultural good, accessible to all and not as a pure commercial product.”
Chloé is currently pursuing legal action, with a hearing scheduled at the industrial tribunal this week and a hearing with an investigating judge in Angoulême on November 27 following her criminal complaint. A fundraising campaign has been launched to support her, with authors offering artwork for sale to aid unemployed and financially vulnerable women impacted by similar issues.
The planned “girlcott” represents a historic stand against systemic issues within the industry and the festival itself, signaling a growing demand for a more equitable and respectful environment for comic book creators. Supporters are united in their message: “Chloé we believe you!”
