Nîmes, France – A protest is expected outside the Palais de Justice in Nîmes this Thursday, April 2nd, 2026, as Jérémy Gisclon, known online as Jeremstar, prepares to stand trial. The case centers around an act of protest against bullfighting during last year’s Vendanges festival, and has ignited debate about animal rights and freedom of expression in France. The influencer faces potential jail time and a substantial fine, but maintains he acted to highlight what he calls a cruel and outdated practice.
Jeremstar, 39, of Lyon, gained attention for interrupting the opening corrida of the Vendanges festival on September 19, 2025. He entered the bullring and unfurled a sign reading “Fuck la corrida,” a direct challenge to the controversial tradition. The incident, documented by multiple news outlets, led to his arrest and 48 hours in police custody. The upcoming trial will examine whether his actions constituted a legitimate form of protest or a criminal disruption.
Animal rights organizations are rallying in support of Gisclon, framing the case as a battle against cruelty and for the right to dissent. PETA France has been particularly vocal, launching a campaign to garner support for the influencer. “The justice system should be condemning cruelty to animals, not those who denounce it,” a statement from PETA France reads. The organization views the trial as a test case for activists challenging practices they deem unethical.
Mobilization Ahead of the Trial
The Comité de liaison biterrois pour l’abolition de la corrida (Colbac) is organizing a demonstration outside the courthouse, scheduled to begin at 1:30 PM on Thursday. Colbac, a long-standing anti-bullfighting organization, hopes to draw attention to the broader issue of animal welfare and pressure the court to reveal leniency towards Gisclon and the two other activists who were with him during the protest. The group believes a conviction would have a chilling effect on future demonstrations.
@jeremstar Merci à tous ceux qui me soutiennent 🙏 RDV le 2 avril à 13h30 à Nîmes #jeremstarpeta #jeremstarproces #jeremstarcorrida #jeremstarjustice
Jeremstar himself has urged his followers to remain peaceful, posting a video on TikTok calling for calm during the demonstration. He has also been actively sharing updates about the case on his social media channels, including a countdown to the trial. His online presence, with a significant following, has amplified the reach of the protest and drawn attention to the issue of bullfighting in France.
The Legal Stakes and Broader Context
Gisclon and the two other activists face a maximum sentence of one year in prison and a fine of €15,000. The charges relate to disrupting a public event and potentially endangering participants in the corrida. The prosecution will likely argue that his actions created a safety risk and undermined the established order of the festival. Defense lawyers are expected to argue that Gisclon was exercising his right to freedom of expression and acting as a conscientious objector against a practice he believes is inherently cruel.
Bullfighting remains a deeply divisive issue in France. Whereas proponents view it as a cultural tradition with historical significance, opponents condemn it as a barbaric spectacle that inflicts unnecessary suffering on animals. The practice is legal in parts of France, including the Provence-Alpes-Côte d’Azur region where Nîmes is located, but it faces increasing scrutiny from animal welfare groups and a growing segment of the public. Recent political debates have centered on the possibility of a nationwide ban, though such efforts have faced strong opposition from those who defend the tradition.
The outcome of this trial could have significant implications for future protests against bullfighting and other controversial cultural practices. A conviction could deter activists from taking direct action, while an acquittal could embolden them and further fuel the debate over animal rights. The case also raises broader questions about the limits of free speech and the balance between individual expression and public order.
The hearing is scheduled to be open to the public, and observers anticipate a large turnout from both supporters of Jeremstar and advocates for the preservation of bullfighting. The court is expected to deliver its verdict in the coming weeks, and the decision will undoubtedly be closely watched by animal rights groups, legal experts, and the public alike.
Following the trial, the next step will be the court’s official announcement of the verdict and sentencing, if applicable. Further appeals are possible, depending on the outcome. This case underscores the ongoing tension between tradition, animal welfare, and the right to protest in contemporary France.
We will continue to follow this story and provide updates as they become available. Share your thoughts on this developing situation in the comments below.
