Anti-racism activists were beaten up Sunday as far-right former French TV pundit Eric Zemmour held his first presidential campaign rally near Paris,

A few days before Mr. Zemmour formally declared his candidacy in a video highlighting his antimigrant and anti-Islam views Supporters at the rally sang France’s national anthem, shouted “Zemmour, president!” and “We will win!” while brandishing the tricolor French flag. Some activists dressed in black with “No to racism” on their sweaters were seen being beaten up by people at the rally and taken out of the room. The scuffles continued outside the room between anti-racism activists and security guards.

The rally, which was initially to held in a Paris concert hall, was moved to a bigger exhibition center in a northern suburb of the capital for security reasons as a protest against Mr. Zemmour took place Sunday in Paris, organized by over 50 organizations including far-left political parties, unions and anti-racist groups. Police had feared clashes with Mr. Zemmour’s far-right supporters.