{{Short description|French influencer and gossip blogger}} {{Use dmy dates|date=February 2026}} {{Infobox person | name = Aqababe | image = File:AQABABE-AnissZitouni.jpg | birth_name = Aniss Zitouni | birth_date = {{Birth date and age|1998|04|15|df=yes}} | birth_place = Lyon, France | occupation = Influencer, Blogger | website = {{URL|https://www.xoxoaqababe.com/}} }} '''Aqababe''' (pronounced Aqua-Babe), whose real name is '''Aniss Zitouni''', (born on 15 April 1998) is a French influencer and gossip blogger. He gained notoriety on social media by publishing information and exclusives, often at times turning out to disputed and/or being proven false,<ref name="LePointFr"/><ref name="Le Figaro 1"/><ref name="FranceInfoFR"/> concerning public figures, particularly those from reality TV.<ref name="Le Parsien"/> His methods have earned him two court convictions<ref name="LeProgresFr"/><ref name="BFMTVFR"/> and, in 2025, several complaints for deceptive business practices, fraud,<ref name="LeMonde"/> breach of trust and harassment.<ref name="LiberationFr"/>
== Early life and Career == Aniss Zitouni was born on 15 April 1998 in Lyon, France. He became known on social media under the pseudonym Aqababe.<ref name="Voici.fr">{{Cite web |title=Aqababe : biographie, actus, photos et vidéos sur Voici.fr |url=https://www.voici.fr/bios-people/aqababe |access-date=2025-12-16 |website=www.voici.fr |language=fr}}</ref>
=== Debut and show on ''TeleStar Play'' (2018–2020) === Aqababe began to gain attention on social media in 2018 by sharing various scoops and information about celebrities,<ref>{{Cite web |last=Dobremez |first=Nastassia |date=28 April 2025 |title=Qui est Aqababe, l'influenceur qui aurait retrouvé Xavier Dupont de Ligonnès ? |url=https://www.diverto.tv/actualites/tele/qui-est-aqababe-linfluenceur-qui-aurait-retrouve-xavier-dupont-de-ligonnes |url-status=live |archive-url=https://archive.today/20251216224805/https://www.diverto.tv/actualites/tele/qui-est-aqababe-linfluenceur-qui-aurait-retrouve-xavier-dupont-de-ligonnes |archive-date=16 December 2025 |access-date=16 December 2025 |website=Diverto.fr}}</ref> thus attracting a growing number of subscribers.<ref name="Voici.fr"/> He sparked controversy by publishing intimate photos of reality TV contestant Astrid Nelsia.<ref name="Voici.fr"/>
In 2020, he joined the paid video platform ''TeleStar Play'', where he launched his own program called ''Aqashow''. The show features interviews and confessions with personalities from the world of reality television.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Hopital |first=Cécilia |date=2020-07-07 |title=Cécile de Ménibus, Aqababe, Maxime Guény : découvrez notre nouvelle plateforme vidéo TeleStar Play |url=https://www.telestar.fr/actu-tv/cecile-de-menibus-aqababe-maxime-gueny-decouvrez-notre-nouvelle-plateforme-video-522265 |access-date=2025-12-16 |website=Télé Star |language=fr-FR}}</ref>
=== Search for Xavier Dupont de Ligonnès (2025) === In April 2025, he launched a search effort to find Xavier Dupont de Ligonnès, a man wanted since April 2011, suspected of murdering his wife and their four children.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Peillon |first=Luc |last2=Coquaz |first2=Vincent |title=«Xavier Dupont de Ligonnès peut se cacher de la police, mais pas de tout le monde» : au cœur de la traque en ligne d’Aqababe |url=https://www.liberation.fr/checknews/xavier-dupont-de-ligonnes-peut-se-cacher-de-la-police-mais-pas-de-tout-le-monde-au-coeur-de-la-traque-en-ligne-daqababe-20250426_6EALTQA4YZFAZAF7UTDDSPO7JQ/ |access-date=2025-12-16 |website=Libération |language=fr}}</ref> A few days later, he claimed to have found him, which the prosecutor's office denied, calling the mission a "vast hoax". The investigators say they are "annoyed" by this approach, which they believe employs questionable methods and wastes their time.<ref name="FranceInfoFR">{{Cite web |date=2025-04-29 |title=L'influenceur Aqababe a-t-il retrouvé Xavier Dupont de Ligonnès en Asie, comme il le prétend ? |url=https://www.franceinfo.fr/replay-radio/le-vrai-du-faux/l-influenceur-aqababe-a-t-il-retrouve-xavier-dupont-de-ligonnes-en-asie-comme-il-le-pretend_7206210.html |access-date=2025-12-16 |website=Franceinfo |language=fr-FR}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=Vrai scoop ou fausses pistes : que vaut vraiment l’enquête d’Aqababe sur Xavier Dupont de Ligonnès ? |url=https://www.lepoint.fr/societe/vrai-scoop-ou-fausses-pistes-que-vaut-vraiment-l-enquete-d-aqababe-sur-xavier-dupont-de-ligonnes-28-04-2025-2588471_23.php |access-date=2025-12-16 |website=Le Point.fr |language=fr}}</ref>
=== Breach of medical confidentiality concerning Werenoi (2025) === On 16 May 2025, he reported the hospitalization of rapper Werenoi while disclosing the reasons for this hospitalization without the consent of the rapper and his family.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2025-05-18 |title=French 'gossip girl' slammed for 'disclosing death' of rapper 'before family' |url=https://www.nationalworld.com/europe/werenoi-mort-french-gossip-girl-aqababe-slammed-for-disclosing-death-before-manager-or-family-5134132 |access-date=2026-03-26 |website=NationalWorld |language=en}}</ref> This behavior was denounced by several observers<ref>{{Cite web |date=2025-05-17 |title="La mort n'est pas un gossip" : polémique après le décès du rappeur Werenoi, le blogueur Aqababe attaqué |url=https://actu.fr/ile-de-france/paris_75056/la-mort-n-est-pas-un-gossip-polemique-apres-le-deces-du-rappeur-werenoi-le-blogueur-aqabe-attaque_62651190.html |access-date=2025-12-16 |website=actu.fr |language=fr}}</ref> as a possible breach of medical confidentiality, to which the rapper, who died the day after the influencer's posts, was entitled to.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2025-05-17 |title="La mort n'est pas un gossip" : polémique après le décès du rappeur Werenoi, le blogueur Aqababe attaqué |url=https://actu.fr/ile-de-france/paris_75056/la-mort-n-est-pas-un-gossip-polemique-apres-le-deces-du-rappeur-werenoi-le-blogueur-aqabe-attaque_62651190.html |access-date=2025-12-16 |website=actu.fr |language=fr}}</ref>
=== Accusing Iris Mittenaere of cheating and deception (2025) === In June 2025, Aqababe alleged that Iris Mittenaere had been repeatedly cheating on several of her partners. A few hours later, Diego El Glaoui posted a statement on Instagram confirming Aqababe's allegations.<ref name="CloserMag.fr">{{Cite web |last=Boucher |first=Alice |date=2025-06-12 |title=Iris Mittenaere : après les révélations de Diego El Glaoui, cette vidéo authentifiée par un ex qui la met à mal |url=https://www.closermag.fr/people/iris-mittenaere-apres-les-revelations-de-diego-el-glaoui-cette-video-authentifiee-par-un-ex-qui-la-met-a-mal-3553964 |access-date=2025-12-18 |website=Closer |language=fr-FR}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=à 10h41 |first=Par Le Parisien Le 11 juin 2025 |last2=À 07h33 |first2=Modifié Le 12 Juin 2025 |date=2025-06-11 |title=« J’ai découvert que j’avais été trompé » : Diego El Glaoui révèle pourquoi il s’est séparé d’Iris Mittenaere |url=https://www.leparisien.fr/culture-loisirs/tv/jai-decouvert-que-javais-ete-trompe-diego-el-glaoui-revele-pourquoi-il-sest-separe-diris-mittenaere-11-06-2025-NAQ6YP4EGBDP7DFCATBBVK6ZWA.php |access-date=2025-12-18 |website=leparisien.fr |language=fr-FR}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=B |first=Camille |date=2025-06-12 |title=Iris Mittenaere : une vidéo compromettante avec son ex dévoilée |url=https://www.telestar.fr/people/iris-mittenaere-une-video-compromettante-avec-son-ex-devoilee-1726675 |access-date=2025-12-18 |website=Télé Star |language=fr-FR}}</ref> According to Aqababe, Mittenaere allegedly had a double relationship with Bruno Pelat and Antoine Dupont and then was in a relationship with Diego El Glaoui, Paul Mirabel, and Valentin Lucas all at the same time.<ref name="CloserMag.fr"/>
Aqababe also shares an audio message from Diego El Glaoui in which El Glaoui can be heard responding to Mittenaere.<ref name="StarMagFr">{{Cite web |date=2025-06-11 |title=Iris Mittenaere : son ex Diego El Glaoui balance sur leur rupture... "J’ai découvert que j’avais été trompé…" |url=https://www.starmag.com/actu-people/iris-mittenaere-son-ex-diego-el-glaoui-balance-sur-leur-rupture-1015001.html |access-date=2025-12-18 |website=Starmag.com |language=fr-FR}}</ref> El Glaoui is also heard in the audio stating that Mittenaere threatens to put a "MeToo" allegation onto him, if he reveals that she cheated on him with Valentin Lucas for four months.<ref name="StarMagFr"/>
=== Erroneous announcement of Brigitte Bardot's death (2025) === On 22 October 2025, Aqababe announced the death of actress Brigitte Bardot on his social media,<ref>{{Cite web |date=2025-10-23 |title=Aqababe annonce par erreur la mort de Brigitte Bardot : qui est cet influenceur suivi par plus d'1 million d'abonnés ? |url=https://www.laprovence.com/article/societe/30299784170391/brigitte-bardot-annoncee-morte-par-aqababe-qui-est-cet-influenceur-a-lorigine-de-cette-fake-news?id=30299784170391 |access-date=2025-12-16 |website=www.laprovence.com |language=fr}}</ref> claiming that exclusive sources have confirmed to him the purchase of the coffin<ref>{{Cite web |last=Rédaction |first=La |date=2025-12-16 |title=Un blogueur annonce le décès de Brigitte Bardot par erreur… "Je n'ai pas l'intention de tirer ma révérence" |url=https://www.lalibre.be/lifestyle/people/2025/10/22/un-blogueur-annonce-le-deces-de-brigitte-bardot-par-erreur-je-nai-pas-lintention-de-tirer-ma-reverence-RKZZJDGDSRDMLJKONPZMF5VCKE/ |access-date=2025-12-16 |website=La Libre.be |language=fr}}</ref> in which the French film actress will rest, and that it is only a matter of time before the mainstream media spread the information.<ref>{{Cite AV media |url=https://www.bfmtv.com/replay-emissions/culture-et-vous/video-je-vais-bien-et-je-n-ai-pas-l-intention-de-tirer-ma-reverence-brigitte-bardot-dement-des-rumeurs-sur-sa-disparition_VN-202510230160.html |title="Je vais bien et je n'ai pas l'intention de tirer ma révérence": Brigitte Bardot dément des rumeurs sur sa disparition |date=2025-10-23 |language=fr |access-date=2025-12-16 |via=www.bfmtv.com}}</ref>
On the same day, around 10:30 p.m., Brigitte Bardot reacted in a post on X, saying she was the victim of fake news, and asked who the "idiot" was who announced her death.<ref name="LePointFr">{{Cite web |title=Qui est 'l’imbécile' qui a annoncé à tort la mort de Brigitte Bardot?|url=https://www.lepoint.fr/people/qui-est-l-imbecile-qui-a-annonce-la-mort-de-brigitte-bardot-24-10-2025-2601689_2116.php |access-date=2025-12-16 |website=Le Point.fr |language=fr}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=2025-10-23 |title=Brigitte Bardot, 91, forced to deny her own death with fiery statement |url=https://metro.co.uk/2025/10/23/brigitte-bardot-91-forced-deny-death-fiery-statement-24502355/ |access-date=2026-03-26 |website=Metro |language=en}}</ref> Despite the post from the person in question, the blogger persisted in declaring her dead. Two days later, Aqababe acknowledged his mistake and apologized.<ref>{{Cite web |last=rédaction |first=La |date=2025-10-24 |title=« J’ai tiré des conclusions trop hâtives » : le blogueur Aqababe présente ses excuses à Brigitte Bardot après avoir annoncé sa mort à tort |url=https://www.nicematin.com/culture/people/j-ai-tire-des-conclusions-trop-hatives-le-blogueur-aqababe-presente-ses-excuses-a-brigitte-bardot-apres-avoir-annonce-sa-mort-a-tort-10653878 |access-date=2025-12-16 |website=Nice-Matin |language=fr}}</ref>
=== Leaking private Snapchat videos of Miss France 2026 contestants (2025) === On 7 December 2025, the day after the Miss France 2026 contest, Aqababe leaked a private Snapchat video filmed by Miss Aquitaine 2025, Aïnhoa Lahitete,<ref name="Extra.ie">{{cite web|url=https://extra.ie/2025/12/08/news/miss-france-apologises-julie-zitouni|title=Miss France contestant apologises for ‘unacceptable’ remarks in leaked video|last=Motherway|first=Colum|date=8 December 2025|work=extra.ie}}</ref> after the Top 12 semifinalists were announced.<ref name="Extra.ie"/> In the video in question, Lahitete was looking visibly upset in the video while stating "Sorry, but what is this Top 12? I don't mean to be a sore loser, but what is this Top 12?".<ref name="Extra.ie"/> Then when Miss Provence 2025, Julie Zitouni, appeared in the video, she was asked by Lahitete on what her thoughts on the Top 12 to which Zitouni stated that the Top 12 semifinalists were "just a bunch of whores".<ref name="Extra.ie"/> Aqababe would also accuse Zitouni of not making the Top 12 due to being caught smoking marijuana by the Miss France Company, an allegation to which Zitouni denies.<ref name="Le Figaro 1">{{cite web|url=https://tvmag.lefigaro.fr/programme-tv/miss-france/miss-france-2026-miss-provence-va-porter-plainte-contre-aqababe-pour-diffamation-et-contre-x-pour-cyberharcelement-20251211|title=Miss France 2026 : Miss Provence va porter plainte contre Aqababe pour diffamation et contre X pour cyberharcèlement|date=11 December 2025|language=French|last=Paul|first=Émilie|work=Le Figaro TV Magazine}}</ref> On 13 December 2025, Miss France Company president Frédéric Gilbert appeared on the France 2 talk show ''What A Time!'' (''Quelle époque !'') with eventual winner of the 2026 Miss France contest, Miss Tahiti 2025: Hinaupoko Devèze, and stated that Lahitete and Zitouni had received over 30,000 insulting messages on social media in the aftermath of the controversy, and condemned the online harassment both had been subjected to.<ref name="France 2">{{cite web|url=https://www.public.fr/30-000-messages-insultants-hinaupoko-deveze-prend-la-defense-des-miss-destituees-et-appelle-a-ne-plus-les-harceler|title="30 000 messages insultants" : Hinaupoko Devèze prend la défense des Miss destituées et appelle à ne plus les harceler|last=Garin|first=Clément|date=14 December 2025|language=French|website=public.fr}}</ref>
== Legal Issues == === JeremstarGate controversy (2018–2023) === On 16 January 2018, Aqababe published an intimate video of the blogger and columnist Jeremstar.<ref name="CloserMagfr">{{Cite web |last=gdauge |date=2018-01-17 |title=Découvrez Aqababe, le blogueur à l'origine du JeremstarGate |url=https://www.closermag.fr/people/decouvrez-aqababe-le-blogueur-a-l-origine-du-jeremstargate-774659 |access-date=2025-12-16 |website=Closer |language=fr-FR}}</ref><ref name="NextPlzFr">{{Cite web |last=ThomasDiquattro |date=2018-01-17 |title=Qui est Aqababe, le blogueur à l'origine du JeremstarGate ? |url=https://www.nextplz.fr/telerealite/127806-qui-est-aqababe-le-blogueur-a-l-origine-du-jeremstargate |access-date=2025-12-16 |website=NextPlz |language=fr-FR}}</ref> At the same time, he accused Pascal Cardonna, a close associate of Jeremstar, of making explicit sexual propositions to underage boys.<ref>{{Cite web |last=jmurciano |date=2018-01-17 |title=Qui est Aqababe, le blogueur qui a déclaré la guerre à Jeremstar ? |url=https://www.telestar.fr/people/qui-est-aqababe-le-blogueur-qui-a-declare-la-guerre-a-jeremstar-325068 |access-date=2025-12-16 |website=Télé Star |language=fr-FR}}</ref><ref name="TeleStarFr">{{Cite web |last=Robert |first=Thomas |date=2018-01-22 |title=Jeremstargate : Victime de "pressions psychologiques" et "menaces de mort", Aqababe fait un break des réseaux sociaux (VIDEO) - Télé-Loisirs |url=https://www.programme-tv.net/news/people/171980-jeremstargate-victime-de-pressions-psychologiques-et-menaces-de-mort-aqababe-fait-un-break-des-reseaux-sociaux-video/ |access-date=2025-12-16 |website=www.programme-tv.net |language=fr}}</ref> Aqababe published several recordings and excerpts of conversations to support his accusations, claiming that Pascal Cardonna, nicknamed "Babybel," used Jeremstar as an intermediary to approach teenagers.<ref name="Slate France">{{Cite web |last=Deslogis |first=Thomas |date=2018-01-31 |title=Le #Jeremstargate, ou l'irruption de l'auto-journalisme |url=https://www.slate.fr/story/157039/jeremstargate-jeremstar-aqababe-auto-journalisme-medias |access-date=2025-12-16 |website=Slate.fr |language=fr-FR}}</ref><ref name="Le Parsien">{{Cite web |last1=Korda |first1=Robin |last2=Krakowiak |first2=Manon |date=2023-05-03 |title=Affaire du « JeremstarGate » : le blogueur Aqababe mis en examen pour harcèlement et menaces |url=https://www.leparisien.fr/faits-divers/affaire-du-jeremstargate-le-blogueur-aqababe-mis-en-examen-pour-harcelement-et-menaces-03-05-2023-MAD5SPWFCZDLVEL6QKXFMTROJ4.php |access-date=2025-12-16 |website=leparisien.fr |language=fr-FR}}</ref> Various news outlets, in France, have dubbed the controversy as "JeremstarGate".<ref name="CloserMagfr"/><ref name="NextPlzFr"/><ref name="Slate France"/><ref name="Le Parsien"/>
The affair sent shockwaves through the influencer community. Jeremstar, although denying any involvement, had left the show ''The Sunday Earthlings!'' (''Les Terriens du dimanche !'') on C8 and deleted his social media accounts.<ref name="TeleStarFr"/> Pascal Cardonna, for his part, was the subject of several complaints.<ref name="Slate France"/>
Following the JeremstarGate affair, Jeremstar filed a complaint against Aqababe. On 3 June 2022, a press release published on Jeremstar's Instagram account announced Aqababe's conviction for defamation and public insults, with the obligation to pay €12,000 in damages.<ref name="LeProgresFr">{{Cite web |date=2022-06-03 |title=Lyon. Jeremstar remporte son procès pour diffamation contre Aqababe |url=https://www.leprogres.fr/faits-divers-justice/2022/06/03/jeremstar-remporte-son-proces-pour-diffamation-contre-aqababe |access-date=2025-12-16 |website=www.leprogres.fr |language=FR-fr}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=Qui est Aqababe ? |url=https://www.starmag.com/people/aqababe |access-date=2025-12-16 |website=Starmag.com |language=fr-FR}}</ref> On 7 June 2022, Aqababe published an open letter on Instagram in which he apologized and announced he would stop publishing scoops about reality TV personalities.<ref name="Le Parsien"/>
=== BerdahGate (2019) === In April 2019, he became involved in a new controversy, dubbed "BerdahGate", where he published information about questionable practices in the influencer world, particularly targeting Magali Berdah, founder of the Shauna Events agency.<ref name="Public.fr">{{Cite web |last=Rb |first=M. |date=2019-04-27 |title=EXCLU: Aqababe arrêté par la police dans l’affaire du Berdah Gate |url=https://www.public.fr/exclu-aqababe-arrete-par-la-police-dans-l-affaire-du-berdah-gate |access-date=2025-12-16 |website=Public |language=fr}}</ref> He accused her of covering up for influencers involved in consumer scams.<ref name="Public.fr"/> This affair had gained significant media attention with the intervention of rapper Booba, who also attacked Magali Berdah and Shauna Events. Aqababe would also go on to release documents and testimonies aimed at proving financial irregularities and fraud affecting consumers.<ref name="Public.fr"/>
After the controversy, Magali Berdah, founder of the Shauna Events agency, stated that she was the victim of a smear campaign orchestrated by Aqababe, where she alleged that he disseminated defamatory information, including allegations of extramarital affairs and money laundering, which Berdah herself, claims is untrue. In response to these allegations, Magali Berdah filed a complaint for extortion, blackmail, defamation, public lynching and incitement to hatred. She also claimed that Aqababe had demanded €180,000 from her to stop his defamatory publications.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Garin |first=Clément |date=2019-05-03 |title="Il a décidé de me détruire" : Magali Berdah évoque le chantage qu'Aqababe lui a fait subir |url=https://www.closermag.fr/people/il-a-decide-de-me-detruire-magali-berdah-evoque-le-chantage-qu-aqababe-lui-a-fai-964033 |access-date=2025-12-16 |website=Closer |language=fr-FR}}</ref>
On 27 April 2019, Aqababe was arrested by law enforcement for cyberbullying. During his arrest, he was informed of the complaints filed against him by Magali Berdah.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Beckermann |first=Sasha |date=2019-04-28 |title=Le blogueur Aqababe arrêté pour cyberharcèlement |url=https://www.closermag.fr/people/le-blogueur-aqababe-arrete-pour-cyberharcelement-962282 |access-date=2025-12-16 |website=Closer |language=fr-FR}}</ref>
=== Maes-Aqababe Case (2018–2022) === In October 2022, compromising videos circulated on social media, showing blogger Aqababe being subjected to physical violence. These images, filmed in 2019, implicated the rapper Maes and several accomplices. Aqababe claimed he was kidnapped, taken to an unknown location and beaten, while his attackers hurled homophobic insults at him.<ref name="z infos">{{Cite web |last=zinfos974 |date=2022-10-25 |title=Le rappeur Maes aurait kidnappé et violenté le blogueur Aqababa |url=https://www.zinfos974.com/le-rappeur-maes-aurait-kidnappe-et-violente-le-blogueur-aqababe/ |access-date=2025-12-16 |website=Zinfos974 |language=fr-FR}}</ref>
The conflict between the two men began in 2018, when the blogger claimed that Maes was in a homosexual relationship. The rapper denies the allegations and goes to Aqababe's supposed home to confront him, without success. A year later, he finally finds the blogger and violently attacks him.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Giron |first=Alexian |date=2023-11-24 |title=Qui est le blogueur Aqababe agressé à son domicile ? |url=https://vl-media.fr/qui-est-le-blogueur-aqababe-agresse-a-son-domicile/ |access-date=2025-12-16 |website=VL Média |language=fr-FR}}</ref>
The case resurfaced when former reality TV contestant Dylan Thiry was accused of possessing and distributing these videos. The leak of the images caused a wave of indignation and prompted many internet users to report the matter to the PHAROS service. The police have opened an investigation, but Maes remains silent in the face of the accusations, citing a lack of sufficient evidence to bring charges.<ref name="z infos"/><ref>{{Cite web |last=Roche |first=Mathilde |title='Je vois Maes courir vers moi avec trois hommes' : malgré un classement sans suite, l’influenceur Aqababe déterminé à relancer l’affaire de son agression par le rappeur |url=https://www.liberation.fr/societe/je-vois-maes-courir-vers-moi-avec-trois-hommes-malgre-un-classement-sans-suite-linfluenceur-aqababe-determine-a-relancer-laffaire-de-son-agression-par-le-rappeur-20250201_NI4SOBHQM5EOVAFPR7KHWTWUWQ/ |access-date=2025-12-16 |website=Libération |language=fr}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=à 20h34 |first=Par Benjamin Derveaux Le 5 juin 2024 |date=2024-06-05 |title=Paris : le rappeur Maes condamné à 10 mois de prison ferme pour des violences commises en 2018 |url=https://www.leparisien.fr/faits-divers/paris-le-rappeur-maes-condamne-a-10-mois-de-prison-ferme-pour-des-violences-commises-en-2018-05-06-2024-RPAL5QQZQFCYTGL57UHUCNH4PI.php |access-date=2025-12-16 |website=leparisien.fr |language=fr-FR}}</ref>
=== Assault at his home and complaint filed against unknown persons and Poupette Kenza (2023) === On 21 November 2023, Aqababe stated that he was the victim of an attack at his home in Hauts-de-Seine. According to his account, three hooded and armed men burst into his home after ringing his doorbell. One of them struck him several times with the butt of a handgun, leaving him with a head wound and facial bruises. The attackers fled after accidentally triggering an emergency call on his phone.<ref name="BFM TV">{{Cite web |date=2023-11-22 |title=Le blogueur Aqababe, agressé chez lui, porte plainte contre X et l'influenceuse Poupette Kenza |url=https://www.bfmtv.com/police-justice/le-blogueur-aqababe-agresse-chez-lui-porte-plaintes-contre-x-et-l-influenceuse-poupette-kenza_AN-202311220370.html |access-date=2025-12-16 |website=BFM |language=fr}}</ref>
Following this event, Aqababe filed a complaint against X for "aggravated violence" and against the influencer Poupette Kenza, whose real name is Kenza Benchrif, for "death threats". He accused her of posting threatening messages against him and sharing his address on social media, which may have facilitated the attack he suffered.<ref name="BFM TV"/>
The case gained media attention when Aqababe testified on the set of prime-time talk-show''Touche pas à mon poste !'', where he broke down in tears while recounting his assault. He expressed his shock and fear of the repercussions, while affirming that he does not intend to stop his blogging activity.<ref>{{Cite web |title="Je me suis dit : mais je vais mourir" : le blogueur Aqababe fond en larmes sur le plateau de TPMP |url=https://www.midilibre.fr/2023/11/23/je-me-suis-dit-mais-je-vais-mourir-le-blogueur-aqababe-fond-en-larmes-sur-le-plateau-de-tpmp-11597648.php |access-date=2025-12-16 |website=midilibre.fr |language=fr}}</ref>
=== Conviction for death threats against Guillaume Genton (2023–2024) === On 21 November 2023, Aqababe claimed to have been attacked at his home by three armed individuals and accused Poupette Kenza of being responsible. The following day, he appeared on the set of prime-time talk-show ''Touche pas à mon poste !''. During his appearance on the show, a tense exchange took place between him and the commentator Guillaume Genton, the latter believed that the blogger had a "business that could cause problems." Aqababe then left the set in tears at the end of the exchange.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2023-11-28 |title=Le blogueur Aqababe a menacé de mort un chroniqueur de TPMP |url=https://www.20min.ch/fr/story/le-blogueur-aqababe-a-menace-de-mort-un-chroniqueur-de-tpmp-517516329500 |access-date=2025-12-16 |website=20 minutes |language=fr}}</ref>
A few days after the show, Guillaume Genton received anonymous death threats via messages. The judicial investigation led back to Aqababe, who confessed to the crimes during his time in police custody.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2023-11-28 |title=Le blogueur Aqababe jugé pour avoir menacé un chroniqueur de « TPMP » |url=https://www.20minutes.fr/arts-stars/people/4064379-20231128-tpmp-blogueur-aqababe-bientot-juge-avoir-envoye-menaces-mort-chroniqueur-guillaume-genton |access-date=2025-12-16 |website=20 Minutes |language=fr}}</ref> He was placed under judicial supervision and tried on 18 January 2024 by the Nanterre judicial court. He was sentenced to four months in prison, suspended for eighteen months, with probation, and prohibited from contacting Guillaume Genton and his partner.<ref name="BFMTVFR">{{Cite web |date=2024-01-19 |title=Menaces de mort contre Guillaume Genton: le blogueur Aqababe condamné |url=https://www.bfmtv.com/police-justice/menaces-de-mort-contre-guillaume-genton-le-blogueur-aqababe-condamne_AN-202401190439.html |access-date=2025-12-16 |website=BFM |language=fr}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=2024-01-19 |title=Aqababe condamné à du sursis après avoir menacé Guillaume Genton de « TPMP » |url=https://www.20minutes.fr/justice/4071499-20240119-touche-poste-aquababe-condamne-sursis-apres-menaces-mort-contre-chroniqueur |access-date=2025-12-16 |website=20 Minutes |language=fr}}</ref> He is also required to pay them €2,800 in compensation and to undergo psychological care as well as treatment related to narcotics.<ref>{{Cite web |last=à 20h45 |first=Par Enzo Guerini Le 18 janvier 2024 |last2=À 12h30 |first2=Modifié Le 19 Janvier 2024 |date=2024-01-18 |title=Le blogueur Aqababe condamné à de la prison avec sursis après des menaces de mort envers Guillaume Genton |url=https://www.leparisien.fr/faits-divers/le-blogueur-aqababe-condamne-a-de-la-prison-avec-sursis-apres-des-menaces-de-mort-envers-guillaume-genton-18-01-2024-75J7UWTRWVB2XIHKXVP2M2LYWQ.php |access-date=2025-12-16 |website=leparisien.fr |language=fr-FR}}</ref>
=== Fraud case (since 2025) === In 2025, Aqababe was accused of fraud, breach of trust and deceptive business practices by several former clients.<ref name="LeMonde">{{Cite news |date=2025-04-07 |title=L’influenceur Aqababe visé par cinq plaintes pour pratiques commerciales trompeuses, escroquerie et abus de confiance |url=https://www.lemonde.fr/pixels/article/2025/04/07/l-influenceur-aqababe-vise-par-cinq-plaintes-pour-pratiques-commerciales-trompeuses-escroquerie-et-abus-de-confiance_6592312_4408996.html |access-date=2025-12-16 |language=fr}}</ref> Five victims have filed a complaint, accusing him of failing to honor his commercial commitments after payment, including promotions on his social media or his website xoxoaqababe.com.<ref name="LeMonde"/> The plaintiffs denounce manipulation, intimidation and a lack of response to their requests for reimbursement.<ref name="LeMonde"/> Aqababe, supported by his lawyer, downplayed the events, describing them as "isolated" and "anecdotal," and highlighting the success of numerous other partnerships.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2025-02-12 |title=Manipulations, intimidations... Le blogueur Aqababe accusé d'escroquerie par d'anciens clients |url=https://www.bfmtv.com/tech/actualites/reseaux-sociaux/manipulations-intimidations-le-blogueur-aqababe-bientot-poursuivi-pour-escroquerie_AV-202502120583.html |access-date=2025-12-16 |website=BFM |language=fr}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=2025-02-11 |title=Le blogueur Aqababe bientôt poursuivi pour escroquerie |url=https://www.linforme.com/medias-culture/article/le-blogueur-aqababe-bientot-poursuivi-pour-escroquerie_2546.html |access-date=2025-12-16 |website=l'Informé |language=fr}}</ref>
=== Nekfeu's ex-wife files a complaint (since 2025) === On the evening of 8 October 2025, Aqababe published a short statement on his social media accounts on Instagram and X where he claimed that the rapper Nekfeu was being financially blackmailed by his ex-wife. Aqababe alleged that the ex-wife premeditated their meeting with the sole purpose of seducing him, deliberately became pregnant without her husband's consent, lied about accusations of marital rape and child abuse, and is trying to extort money from him — between “1 and 3 million euros” according to Aqababe — to get revenge for the divorce requested and obtained by the artist. The very next day, Nekfeu's ex-wife filed a complaint against Aqababe (as well as producer Diabi Tyler and rapper Doums, two friends of Nekfeu who were actively involved in his defense on social media<ref>{{Cite web |last=Purepeople |date=2024-11-05 |title=Adèle Exarchopoulos : Le père de son fils Ismaël se mêle à l'affaire Nekfeu et prend position |url=https://www.purepeople.com/article/adele-exarchopoulos-le-pere-de-son-fils-ismael-se-mele-a-l-affaire-nekfeu-et-prend-position_a529608/1 |access-date=2025-12-16 |website=www.purepeople.com}}</ref>) for "harassment through online public communication".<ref name="LiberationFr">{{Cite web |last=Brisard |first=Romane |title=Affaire Nekfeu : une information judiciaire ouverte contre le rappeur, accusé de viols et violences |url=https://www.liberation.fr/societe/police-justice/affaire-nekfeu-une-information-judiciaire-ouverte-contre-le-rappeur-accuse-de-viols-et-violences-20251009_AXV3OW4HHVB6XNU7JLV73UEGXA/ |access-date=2025-12-16 |website=Libération |language=fr}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Generations |date=2025-10-09 |title=Generations |url=https://generations.fr/news/coulisse/80406/nekfeu-son-ex-compagne-aurait-tout-premedite |access-date=2025-12-16 |website=Generations |language=fr-FR}}</ref>
=== Lawsuits filed by two Miss France 2026 contestants (since 2025) === In December 2025, Aqababe had two lawsuits filed against him by two contestants at the Miss France 2026 contest, Miss Aquitaine 2025: Aïnhoa Lahitete and Miss Provence 2025: Julie Zitouni.<ref name="Officielles">{{Cite web |last=Vollet |first=Sophie |date=2025-12-10 |title=Ainhoa Lahitete : destituée de son titre de Miss Aquitaine, elle porte plainte |url=https://www.officielles.fr/people/ainhoa-lahitete-destituee-de-son-titre-de-miss-aquitaine-elle-porte-plainte/ |access-date=2025-12-17 |website=Officielles |language=fr}}</ref><ref name="Le Figaro 1"/> This was due to Aqababe leaking a private video on Snapchat, after the contest, featuring the two contestants at the contest where Lahitete, Miss Aquitaine 2025, was upset that she didn't make the Top 12 semifinals in the contest and question what the Top 12 even was. Zitouni, Miss Provence 2025, was also seen in the video referring to the Top 12 as "just a bunch of whores".<ref name="Extra.ie"/> Zitouni would later state in both an apology posted to social media and in an interview with ''La Provence'' newspaper, that she made her comment as a joke to cheer Lahitete up after she was upset about not making the Top 12 semifinals.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2025-12-07 |title=Miss France 2026 : au coeur d'une polémique, Miss Provence s'explique après son élimination |url=https://www.laprovence.com/article/culture-loisirs/2692220101890314/miss-france-2026-au-coeur-d-une-polemique-miss-provence-se-confie-apres-son-elimination?id=2692220101890314 |access-date=2025-12-17 |website=www.laprovence.com |language=fr}}</ref> Aqababe would also accuse Zitouni of smoking marijuana during the pageant and thus, lose out on making the semifinals, which Zitouni herself denies and even stated that she even told the Miss France Company not to include in the Top 12 as she didn't want to be included.<ref name="Le Figaro 1"/> Lahitete and Zitouni have both since apologized for the comments.<ref name="Gala.fr 1">{{Cite web |last=Pintado |first=Tiffany |date=2025-12-09 |title=Insultes dans les coulisses de Miss France, Hinaupoko Devèze rabroue Yann Barthès : “On peut passer à autre chose” |url=https://www.gala.fr/l_actu/news_de_stars/insultes-dans-les-coulisses-de-miss-france-hinaupoko-deveze-rabroue-yann-barthes-on-peut-passer-a-autre-chose-20251209 |access-date=2025-12-17 |website=Gala |language=fr}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Grondin |first=Lucie |date=2025-12-08 |title=“C’est vraiment difficile” : Miss Provence rattrapée par la polémique, elle prend une décision radicale |url=https://www.gala.fr/l_actu/news_de_stars/c-est-vraiment-difficile-miss-provence-rattrapee-par-la-polemique-elle-prend-une-decision-radicale-20251208 |access-date=2025-12-17 |website=Gala |language=fr}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=Miss France 2026. Miss Provence et Miss Aquitaine s’excusent après avoir insulté le top 12 du |url=https://lille.maville.com/actu/actudet_-miss-france-2026.-miss-provence-et-miss-aquitaine-s-excusent-apres-avoir-insulte-le-top-12-du-concours-dans-une-video-_fil-7099246_actu.Htm |access-date=2025-12-17 |website=lille.maville.com |language=fr}}</ref>
Following the leaking of the videos, the two contestants would experience relentless online harassment on social media along with widespread condemnation for unsportsmanlike conduct towards their fellow contestants.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2025-12-09 |title=Miss France 2026 : Miss Provence et Miss Aquitaine destituées après des "propos injurieux" sur leurs concurrentes - ICI |url=https://www.francebleu.fr/infos/societe/miss-france-2026-miss-provence-et-miss-aquitaine-destituees-apres-des-propos-injurieux-sur-leurs-concurrentes-3917509 |access-date=2025-12-17 |website=ICI, le média de la vie locale |language=fr}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Ferreira |first=Margot |date=9 December 2025 |title=Miss France 2026. Après la polémique, Miss Provence et Miss Aquitaine destituées pour 'propos injurieux' |url=https://www.ouest-france.fr/culture/people/miss-france/miss-france-2026-apres-la-polemique-miss-provence-et-miss-aquitaine-destituees-pour-propos-injurieux-d8d0b3ba-d4f8-11f0-b394-5c54c9d4355d |url-status=deviated |archive-url=https://archive.today/20251217002824/https://www.ouest-france.fr/culture/people/miss-france/miss-france-2026-apres-la-polemique-miss-provence-et-miss-aquitaine-destituees-pour-propos-injurieux-d8d0b3ba-d4f8-11f0-b394-5c54c9d4355d |archive-date=17 December 2025 |access-date=17 December 2025 |website=Ouest-France.fr}}</ref><ref name="France 2"/> The pageant winner of Miss France 2026, Hinaupoko Devèze who competed as Miss Tahiti 2025, would go on to denounce the online harassment towards the two contestants after the videos were leaked and had nothing else to say after the two contestants had posted apologies to both of their social media accounts.<ref name="Gala.fr 1"/> Miss France Company president, Frédéric Gilbert, would go to do the same on an appearance on France 2 talk show ''What A Time!'' (''Quelle époque !'').<ref name="France 2"/> Journalist Clément Garin would later go on to report that an anonymous connected to the contest and its contestants for that year stated that the comments of the two girls were in response to two contestants being accused of fatphobia being included in the top 12.<ref name="Officielles"/> Because of the controversy, on 9 December 2025, the Miss Aquitaine Committee and the Miss Provence Committee released a joint statement where they announced that the two contestants in the controversy (Lahitete and Zitouni) were dethroned due to their comments in the leaked video.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2025-12-09 |title=Miss France 2026 : deux candidates destituées après avoir proféré des "propos injurieux" à l'égard des douze demi-finalistes |url=https://www.rtl.fr/culture/medias-people/miss-france-2026-julie-zitouni-et-ainhoa-lahitete-destituees-de-leurs-titres-de-miss-provence-et-miss-aquitaine-apres-des-propos-injurieux-7900575636 |access-date=2025-12-17 |website=www.rtl.fr |language=fr-FR}}</ref>
On 10 December 2025, it was reported that Aïnhoa Lahitete, the now dethroned Miss Aquitaine, filed a lawsuit against Aqababe and the individuals who were involved in leaking the video, citing invasion of privacy and non-consensual dissemination of private content.<ref name="Officielles"/> The following day (11 December 2025), it was reported that Julie Zitouni, the now dethroned Miss Provence, would also file a lawsuit against Aqababe, due to him accusing her of losing out on the Top 12 because of being caught smoking marijuana during the pageant, along with Twitter, citing online harassment that she experienced from anonymous users.<ref name="Le Figaro 1"/>
== References == {{reflist}}
== External links == {{Portal|internet|france}} * [https://www.xoxoaqababe.com/ Official website]
{{DEFAULTSORT:Zitouni, Aniss}} Category:1998 births Category:Living people Category:Social media influencers Category:French bloggers Category:Gossip blogs Category:French criminals