Explainer
Why is NBA star Victor Wembanyama supporting French high-school protests?
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The movement began in high schools across Paris, but the NBA star grew up in nearby Nanterre, describing his former school as already a stronghold of blockades back then.
Paris and Nanterre
Protests over school conditions quickly spread nationwide. The interior ministry counted at least 260,000 marchers on Tuesday, while an inter-union group claimed as many as 450,000 people took part.
- Interior Ministry (Tuesday, at least)260000
- Inter-union group (Tuesday, as many as)450000
Speaking after an exhibition game, he voiced backing for the teenagers: "I hear them, and I support them, and I hope the people all over there will do the same."
“I hear them, and I support them, and I hope the people all over there will do the same.”
Pointing to systemic inequalities in schools, he explained why he wants to help: "I've had the chance to escape this system, to escape these problems. But it's chance, it's luck. So I want to show my support."
“I've had the chance to escape this system, to escape these problems. But it's chance, it's luck. So I want to show my support.”
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The story
Victor Wembanyama backs French high-school protests, says he would join themRead the article
Based on reports by
- The IndependentFrench NBA star Victor Wembanyama throws support behind school protests
- ReutersWembanyama to French students: I hear you
- Franceinfo"Je suis content que les jeunes se fassent entendre" : Victor Wembanyama apporte son soutien à la mobilisation des lycéens
- 20minutesWembanyama soutient les lycéens et dénonce " des inégalités systémiques "
- Le Figaro.frCrise lycéenne : Victor Wembanyama prend à son tour position
- Ouest FranceBlocage des lycées. Victor Wembanyama réaffirme son " soutien " aux jeunes et interpelle le gouvernement