[2] Almost immediately after its release, the book became the subject of considerable controversy and the situations presented in it were accused of child pornography.

[3][4][5] In 2022, Bastien Vivès' programming as guest of honor at the Angoulême festival, with a planned exhibition, sparked a new controversy.

On this occasion, Bastien Vivès' past statements resurface as well as certain aspects of his editorial production, including Petit Paul.

[6] Cartoonist Joanna Lorho told on Libération on 22 December 2022, "It is dishonest to say that Petit Paul by Bastien Vivès has nothing to do with pedocriminality."

[7] On 6 January 2023, the Nanterre public prosecutor's office opened a preliminary investigation targeting Bastien Vivès and the publishing houses Glénat and Les Requins Marteau.