Brigitte Macron, the First Lady of France, has ignited significant backlash due to her comments regarding protesters at a comedian’s performance. The incident occurred during a show by Ary Abittan, who previously faced sexual assault allegations from a former partner. Although the case was dismissed after a thorough investigation and upheld by French courts, it remains a contentious topic.
Remarks and Reactions
During a conversation captured on video, Abittan expressed concerns about disruptive protesters. In response, Brigitte Macron remarked, “If there are any stupid b*tches, we’ll kick them out,” followed by laughter. This comment was perceived as derogatory toward feminist activists, sparking outrage across social media platforms.
Feminist Response
The backlash was swift. Activists from the feminist group #NousToutes protested during Abittan’s show, donning masks featuring his image. Many prominent figures voiced their support for the activists, using the First Lady’s slur in solidarity.
- Academy Award-winning actress Marion Cotillard shared a black image on Instagram with “je suis une sale conne” (“I’m a stupid b*tch”) and captioned it with “et fière de l’être” (“and proud of it”).
Official Commentary
Comments from politicians varied. Maud Bregeon, a spokesperson for the government, criticized the protesters, stating they disregarded a judicial decision. She expressed no desire for Brigitte Macron to apologize. Conversely, Marine Tondelier, leader of the green party Les Ecologistes, characterized Macron’s words as significantly serious and inappropriate for a First Lady. Former President François Hollande echoed this sentiment, indicating that language used in the context of women fighting against violence should be chosen with care.
Conclusion
Brigitte Macron’s remarks have not only prompted criticism from celebrities and politicians but have also reignited a broader conversation about the treatment of women in public discourse. The incident underscores the tension between activists and public figures in France, particularly concerning sensitive subjects like sexual violence and feminism.
