Influencer's Walkout Exposes Tensions in French TikTok Hearing

French Influencer Storms Out of National Assembly Hearing A heated exchange led to influencer Alex Hitchens abruptly leaving a hearing at the French National Assembly on June 10, 2025. The hearing, part of an inquiry into TikTok's impact on young people, saw Hitchens clash with members of the committee. Hitchens, known for his work as a "seduction coach," felt the questioning was unfair and disrespectful. "They took ten seconds of an eight-to-ten-minute statement and isolated it, then threw it in my face," Hitchens stated, expressing his frustration at the committee's approach. The committee chair, on the other hand, insisted on the rules of the hearing, stating that witnesses cannot leave before the conclusion of their testimony. The incident highlights the ongoing debate surrounding the regulation of social media and its potential effects on society, particularly on minors. Hitchens's TikTok account has previously been banned from the platform, adding another layer of complexity to the situation. The hearing was temporarily suspended to allow for further communication with Hitchens.