Strauss-Kahn evokes anti-Semitic remarks

French radio host asks listeners whether they believe ex-IMF chief escaped rape charges because of Jewish lobby's support

Lior Zilberstein |Published: 09.01.11 , 14:12

Former IMF chief Dominic Strauss-Kahn should prepare himself for a chilly welcome before returning to France next week. Despite being cleared from charges of sexual assault involving a New York maid, many of his past sexual affairs have been surfaced, exposing him to further embarrassment.

Former French Prime Minister Michel Rocard said in a TV interview that Straus-Kahn is suffering from a mental illness and has trouble controlling his instincts.

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However, France's Radio Sud went a step further by asking its listeners whether they think the former IMF chief escaped rape charges because he received support from "a Jewish lobby."

In response to the question posed by his fellow radio host Eric Mazet, Michel Cardoze said: "This is stereotypical anti-Semitism. It's our responsibility to block such mad exaggerations. I'm beginning to feel sick." Mazet replied: "Does that mean one can't say anything? That the Jewish lobby does not exist?"

Radio Sud said in response that in the future an editor will be present during the show to prevent such occurrences from repeating themselves. Mazet admitted his mistake but denied having been motivated by anti-Semitism.