France’s first lady directed a derogatory term towards feminist activists who interrupted a performance by an actor-comedian previously facing rape allegations
Brigitte Macron, wife of French President Emmanuel Macron, has drawn widespread criticism for labeling feminist demonstrators “sales connes,” a term approximately meaning “stupid b***hes.”
A video, which has since been removed, surfaced earlier this week, depicting France’s first lady in a private conversation backstage on Sunday with Ary Abittan, an actor and comedian who had faced rape accusations. The 51-year-old artist is currently on his first tour since judicial investigators dismissed the charges due to insufficient evidence.
The night before, the feminist collective Nous Toutes (“All of us”) had interrupted his stand-up performance. Activists, wearing masks emblazoned with the word “rapist” over the actor’s image, rose from the audience and chanted “Abittan rapist” before being removed.
The leaked footage shows Abittan lightheartedly mentioning his nervousness, seemingly in anticipation of potential returning protesters. Macron can be heard humorously replying: “Should any stupid b***hes appear, we will remove them.”
On Tuesday, a spokesperson for the French presidency stated that the first lady’s intention was to soothe the actor’s anxiety and to solely condemn what she characterized as the extreme tactics employed to interrupt and hinder the show.
Notwithstanding the clarification, condemnation rapidly escalated, as politicians from various parties, along with activists and prominent figures in the film sector, denounced the comment.
Marine Tondelier, head of the French Greens, labeled the remark “extremely serious,” while Senator Agnes Evren characterized it as “highly sexist.” Former President Francois Hollande also criticized the first lady’s linguistic choice. Actress Judith Godreche, who has emerged as a feminist symbol after alleging sexual abuse by two directors during her minority, urged for an end to such conduct within France’s cultural sphere. She shared a concise Instagram post criticizing the first lady’s statements. Subsequently, Nous Toutes transformed Macron’s expression into a social media hashtag.
Macron has additionally been under examination following a protracted legal battle concerning online conspiracy theories asserting she is transgender. A court decision this year imposed fines on those who originated the rumor, sparking renewed debate about digital harassment directed at public figures. The matter garnered international notice after US commentator Candace Owens amplified the allegations and subsequently claimed the Macrons had ordered her assassination.