French First Lady Brigitte Macron has sparked controversy after she was captured on video using derogatory language to describe feminist protesters, referring to them as “dirty b****s” just before attending a performance by comedian Ary Abittan, who has faced allegations of rape.
The incident occurred on Sunday behind the scenes at the Folies Bergère theatre in Paris, where Macron was present with her daughter, Tiphaine Auzière, to enjoy Abittan’s show. In the footage released by a French magazine, Abittan expressed his fears concerning the protests that had taken place the previous night. Macron, responding with laughter, remarked:
“If there are any dirty b****es, we’ll kick them out.”
On Saturday, members of the #NousToutes collective, a feminist activist group, had disrupted Abittan’s performance. The protesters donned masks featuring his face and the word “rapist,” while chanting “Abittan rapist.” This protest stems from the allegations against Abittan, who was accused of rape in late 2021 by a woman he was dating. After a lengthy investigation lasting three years, the case was dismissed by prosecutors, a decision later upheld by an appeal court in January. His return to the stage has been met with strong opposition from feminist organizations.
Public reaction and criticism
The video of Macron’s comments has incited significant backlash across various platforms. French actress Judith Godrèche took to Instagram to express her support for the protesters, stating,
“I’m a dirty b**** too. And I support everyone else.”
Meanwhile, Manon Aubry, a Member of the European Parliament from the radical left-wing party La France Insoumise, voiced her disapproval on social media, criticizing the First Lady’s remarks in light of the government’s prior commitment to women’s rights being a focal issue for the term.
Marine Tondelier, leader of the Greens party, described Macron’s comments as “gravely offensive” during an interview with BFM-TV, asserting that such language is unbecoming of a First Lady. In response to the uproar, Macron’s office clarified that her comments were intended solely as a critique of the aggressive tactics employed by the feminist protesters.
The broader context of women’s rights in France
This incident underscores the ongoing tensions surrounding women’s rights and activism in France, particularly in the context of recent high-profile cases involving allegations of sexual misconduct. The response to Macron’s comments highlights the sensitivity and divide around this issue, as activists continue to rally for justice and recognition in the face of societal challenges.