Marilou Berry victim of harassment: this film by Josiane Balasko which earned her violent remarks

In 1994, the film “Gazon Maudit” was released in theaters. Victoria Abril, Alain Chabat, and Josiane Balasko are the main stars of this hilarious film. It tells the story of Laurent and Loli, a bourgeois couple living happily in the south of France. They cross paths with Marijo, a woman whose camper breaks down in front of their house. They help her and get to know each other. Laurent and Marijo discover common ground, especially their love for women.

The film was a great success, attracting 4 million viewers in theaters. Josiane Balasko and Patrick Aubrée won the César for Best Original Screenplay. A significant film in the career of Josiane Balasko and in the life of her daughter, Marilou Berry. At the time, Marilou was only eleven years old and was a victim of harassment because of the film.

Students and teachers bullied Marilou Berry because of “Gazon Maudit”

The topic of homosexuality portrayed in the film sparked numerous reactions at the time of its release. The film left a lasting impression but also caused turmoil. Marilou Berry experienced this firsthand. At school, Josiane Balasko’s daughter faced the consequences of homophobia. On the podcast “Boustifaille,” Marilou Berry recounted how she suffered from the film on Sunday, April 12, 2026. Her classmates did not spare her: “It’s complicated at school during that time because it’s all about: ‘Your mother, she’s lesbian’.”

It wasn’t just the students who targeted Marilou Berry for the open-mindedness of her mother’s film. Her teachers did not support her. She recalled the transition from her schooling in a Montessori school to a much stricter boarding school: “It was a disaster. I was disliked by all the teachers who couldn’t stand me.”

Marilou Berry shares a strong bond with Josiane Balasko

While these memories are still vivid for Marilou Berry, the actress maintains a close relationship with her mother. She cherishes the opportunity to share special moments with her, on stage and in everyday life. In January 2026, she expressed her deep desire to work with her mother. Currently, the actress is performing at the Bouffes Parisiens with her mother in the theater play “Ça, c’est l’amour.” Working with her mother brings Marilou Berry great joy: “I wanted to work in the theater, with my mother, because it’s a pleasure and we have never worked in the theater together… What better role for us to play mother and daughter!” They are truly inseparable.