Brigitte Macron Faces Backlash Over Remarks on Feminist Protesters

Brigitte Macron has come under fire after a video surfaced showing her using a derogatory term while discussing feminist protesters in Paris. The incident occurred on October 1, 2023, backstage at the Folies Bergère theatre, where she conversed with French actor Ary Abittan just before his performance. The previous evening, feminist activists had disrupted Abittan’s show, vocally accusing him of being a rapist.

In the video, Macron inquired about Abittan’s feelings. When he expressed fear regarding the backlash from the protesters, she responded with a sexist remark, suggesting they would “toss them out.” This exchange has prompted significant criticism from various quarters, questioning the appropriateness of her comments.

Public Reaction and Official Response

Macron’s office later issued a statement clarifying her intentions. They explained that she was attempting to reassure Abittan, who had been unsettled by the protests the night before. The statement emphasized that “Mrs. Macron’s only intention was to reassure an artist who had just told her: ‘I’m scared’.” It further asserted that she does not support the radical methods used by activists to disrupt performances.

The feminist group Nous Toutes, which coordinated the protest, claimed that their actions were aimed at highlighting the “culture of impunity” surrounding sexual violence in France. They pointed to the termination of a 2021 rape investigation against Abittan due to insufficient evidence, a decision upheld by an appeal in January 2024.

In a statement on social media, Nous Toutes condemned venues that allow performances by individuals with allegations of sexual violence against them. They declared, “It is a public insult to the victims. Victims, we believe you. Rapists, we do not forgive you!”

Political Ramifications and Criticism

The incident has sparked a heated debate within French political circles. Critics, including former president François Hollande, have called for Brigitte Macron to apologize for her comments. Hollande described her language as “vulgar” and inappropriate, adding to the growing scrutiny of her remarks.

Conversely, some on the far right, such as Jean-Philippe Tanguy from the National Rally, defended Macron, arguing that her comments were made in a private setting and were taken out of context. Tanguy stated, “If each of us were filmed backstage saying things with friends, I think there would be plenty to comment on.” He criticized the public response as hypocritical.

The fallout from this incident illustrates the complex interplay between celebrity, activism, and political discourse in contemporary France, with Brigitte Macron at the center of a contentious debate over gender, power, and the right to protest.