When the public votes were announced, the French representative made a gesture live that many interpreted (and commented on) as a middle finger. The singer denied it and said that she did a “toz” instead.
Another disappointment for France. Saturday May 13, the singer The Zara she came in 16th place in the Eurovision Song Contest, when she was designated as one of the favourites.
When she found out her total points, La Zarra made a gesture, facing the camera, which challenged the spectators and caused a small controversy. Many Internet users saw it as a middle finger, a gesture that has been commented on many times since the end of the competition.
Am I dreaming or La Zarra gave the middle finger… What a lack of respect! 🤮#Eurovision pic.twitter.com/2uwxZ6g2Ej
— Richard 🏳️🌈 (@Richardfr14) May 13, 2023
To the extent that Maria Miriamthe last French singer to have won Eurovision in 1977, assures that La Zarra’s gesture was indeed a middle finger, which she describes as ” shame » in the columns of Parisian.
What is a “toz”?
But other spectators of the competition understood the gesture very differently. According to them, it would be quite a toz.
Her elegant pose, this penetrating and expressive gaze, this shining dress and this delicate and controlled hand gesture….
Sorry but there La Zarra made us the most beautiful toz I have ever seen #Eurovision2023 pic.twitter.com/YwaVJGgDEI— 🦆 (@anhedonie_ID) May 15, 2023
As the specialized magazine explains Neon, this word comes from Arabic and literally means fart. It has established itself as a slang gesture, and expresses a refusal or a certain indifference towards a situation.
Faced with the emerging controversies, the singer immediately explained to the press after the contest: “You have to understand that even though I represent France, I also have a culture and it’s a bit generational. It’s not a negative gesture, it’s a gesture of disappointment that we use between friends “, he explained hotly in front of reporters.
It was “absolutely” not a middle finger but “a gesture of disappointment,” he explains tonight @LaZarra_. #lazarra #EUROVISION #EUROVISION2023 #France pic.twitter.com/5ZKAAwkIeI
— Benoit Daragon (@bendarag) May 14, 2023
But the controversy hadn’t subsided, La Zarra explained his gesture again on Sunday 14 May. ” It’s a gesture of disappointment on my part, which means Anything that we could translate ‘so be it’. Neither more nor less “, he insisted in a text published in the story on his Instagram account, apologizing” if it was misinterpreted “.
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Source: Madmoizelle

Mary Crossley is an author at “The Fashion Vibes”. She is a seasoned journalist who is dedicated to delivering the latest news to her readers. With a keen sense of what’s important, Mary covers a wide range of topics, from politics to lifestyle and everything in between.