French First Lady Brigitte Macron has sparked controversy after using a derogatory term to describe feminist activists who disrupted a show by actor-comedian Ary Abittan. Abittan, who has previously been accused of rape, was performing a stand-up show when activists from the group Nous Toutes interrupted the event, wearing masks with the word “rapist” and shouting “Abittan rapist” before being escorted out.
A leaked video showed Macron chatting with Abittan backstage, where she referred to the protesters as “sales connes,” a phrase that roughly translates to “stupid b***hes.” The video was recorded on Sunday, and the first lady’s comments were made in response to Abittan’s concerns about potential further disruptions.
The French presidency has since clarified that Macron was attempting to calm Abittan’s nerves and criticized the radical methods used by the protesters. However, the explanation has not mitigated the criticism, with politicians and activists across the spectrum condemning the first lady’s choice of language. Marine Tondelier, leader of the French Greens, described the comment as “extremely grave,” while Senator Agnes Evren labeled it “very sexist.”
The incident has also drawn attention to the broader issues of harassment and online conspiracy theories targeting public figures. Macron has faced scrutiny in the past over baseless claims that she is transgender, which led to a court ruling earlier this year fining the originators of the rumor. The case has sparked discussions about digital harassment and the need for greater protections for public figures.
The backlash against Macron’s comments has been swift, with many taking to social media to express their disapproval. The feminist group Nous Toutes has turned the first lady’s phrase into a social media hashtag, highlighting the need for greater respect and dignity in public discourse. As the controversy continues to unfold, it remains to be seen how the French presidency will respond to the criticism and whether the incident will have any lasting impact on the country’s cultural and political landscape.
