On August 26th, Nawal, a resident of the 12th arrondissement of Paris, explained on X that she was bitten by bed bugs at the UGC Bercy cinema. In response, UGC cinema released a statement explaining the measures they are taking to combat bed bugs. Since then, moviegoers have expressed their concerns about this issue.
Nawal’s testimony on social media has had a chilling effect on moviegoers. Some internet users, including coworkers, have expressed their reluctance to sit in UGC cinema seats. “A friend told me that they saw spectators examining their seats with their phone flashlight,” our colleague shared. Following this, 20 Minutes launched a call for testimonies.
The trend has quickly been confirmed among cinema fans, who are now more hesitant. “I won’t set foot in a cinema for a long time,” says Claire, 43, feeling uneasy. The same sentiment is shared by our reader, Grégory, 23, who admits, “Going to the movies scares me a bit, especially after the recent complaints and testimonials on social media.”
Since Nawal’s testimony in late August, UGC assured Le Parisien that the affected theaters had been treated. UGC Bercy also issued an apology in a statement published on X on September 4th.
Following complaints from customers on social media, MK2 Quai de Loire also responded with a statement on X on September 20th. The objective was to be transparent about the measures taken to address the health crisis. This includes the use of detection dogs to identify the presence of bed bugs and steam treatment at 180 degrees Celsius if necessary. UGC has implemented similar measures.
“This is a topic that has garnered a lot of attention. It affects a lot of people, not just cinemas. We also hear about it happening on trains and in the metro. UGC has had a procedure in place for a long time, which includes regular inspections, especially for large cinemas like Les Halles or Bercy,” explains the UGC group to 20 Minutes through their spokesperson. “Whenever there is a report, three dogs are deployed and a specialized company immediately treats the area with steam at 180 degrees. It’s a year-long contract and a significant investment for our customers. Mobilizing canine units and initiating such a rapid intervention is truly unique.”
UGC emphasizes their “heightened vigilance since the crisis” and reassures the public that cinemas are paradoxically the “safest place in Paris” at the moment.
However, these measures have not been enough to reassure Manon, 26. “The use of sniffer dogs and steam cleaning, as they did in response to the complaints, is good, but I believe this should be done preventively and not just as a response to the problem,” she suggests. As a long-time UGC Unlimited subscriber, she adds, “I think only a regular, thorough steam cleaning process could put my mind at ease.” Sylvie also agrees, stating, “I would like to be informed at my cinema through signage. I need to know if it has been treated in case of a bed bug infestation.”
Olivia, 64, an Unlimited UGC member for over four years, shares her thoughts on potentially canceling her subscription. “I am considering canceling my subscription due to this issue, especially after noticing the state of certain UGC theaters like Les Halles, Bercy, and Lyon Bastille, which are not well-maintained,” she explains. Having observed “small theaters where the seats are dirty, worn-out, and stuffy at times,” she points out that the bed bug problem is not new. “Two years ago, the media had already raised the alarm,” she recalls. Olivia concludes, frustrated by the treatment of cinema fans, that “watching a movie in a filthy theater is unworthy of our city’s image. We are no longer dealing with reason but with greed, laziness, and stupidity.”
“At least for me, I won’t set foot in a major cinema anymore. I will prioritize small neighborhood cinemas!” says Valérie, 57. Her “student” daughter got bed bugs “from going to UGC Cité des Halles” and had “40 bites on her arms,” and they even found a bed bug on one of their pillows. “I am strongly considering canceling my subscription,” admits Pauline, 36, who has been a member of UGC Unlimited since she was 18. “I know how much of a nightmare it is to have bed bugs at home, so I don’t want to take that risk.”
Still, there are some who remain undeterred by the bed bug issue. “Fripon,” 41, will not let bed bugs stop him. “I saw a movie knowing about the issue at UGC Enghien. I brought mosquito repellent spray and took a shower afterward. But having had bed bugs before, I know how quickly it can happen.” Anna, 24, who was seen outside the cinema on Friday night, admits she was “too eager to see the Palme d’Or.” She says, “Honestly, there have always been bed bugs. And I sincerely believe that cinemas are doing what is necessary. I have never had any problems, and I go several times a week.” According to UGC, there has been no noticeable decline in attendance at their theaters. In fact, they even experienced a 15% increase compared to 2019, which was a record-breaking year, according to the group’s spokesperson.
MK2 Quai de Loire, when contacted, did not respond to our inquiries.
Romain Cazaud
