René Martin, 75, one of France’s most important cultural managers – he heads up no fewer than fourteen festivals, including La Folle Journée and La Roque d’Anthéron – has been stood down « while an audit is carried out ».

According to articles published in France, Martin is accused of being autocratic, of having hated tempers and even of having exposed female employees to pornography. In a press release, René Martin « categorically » denied these « allegations ».