Brigitte Macron Faces Controversy Over Remarks Aimed at Feminist Protesters
Brigitte Macron, the First Lady of France, is currently dealing with a legal complaint filed by various organizations, including women’s rights groups. This is in response to her derogatory comments about feminist protesters at a theater event in Paris. The complaint was lodged by over 300 women, specifically 343—an emblematic figure in the history of French feminism, this week.
The Incident at Folies Bergère
Recently, a video has surfaced showing Macron backstage at the Folies Bergère theater, where she was present with her daughter and friends to watch a performance by Ary Abittan, a French actor previously accused of rape. During the event, feminist activists had interrupted his show, shouting accusations against him.
In the video, as Abittan expressed feeling nervous, Macron referred to the protesters in a pejorative manner, saying “sales connes,” which translates to “stupid bitches.” She further remarked that if the activists returned, they would be removed from the venue.
Legal Response and Public Backlash
Juliette Chapelle, a lawyer representing the feminist organizations involved in the lawsuit, emphasized the importance of Macron’s position, stating on France Inter radio, “She’s France’s first lady, her words matter.” Chapelle noted a significant gap between Macron’s public advocacy for women and her private sentiments.
It’s worth mentioning that in 2024, magistrates had closed the investigation into the 2021 rape allegations against Abittan, due to insufficient evidence, a ruling that was upheld in January of this year.
Feminist Groups’ Stance
The feminist collective Nous Toutes (“All of Us”) participated in the protest at the theater, claiming that their actions were a stand against the “culture of impunity” surrounding sexual violence in France. Macron later expressed regret over offending women who are victims of violence, describing her comments as “private.” However, she added, “I can’t regret them,” asserting her right to express herself authentically in private settings.
The Historical Context of the Complaint
The feminist organizations filing the complaint include Les Tricoteuses Hystériques (The Hysterical Knitters), which was created following France’s largest rape trial in 2024, where numerous men were convicted in connection with raping Gisèle Pelicot, who had been drugged by her former spouse. The term “hysterical” was used derogatorily by a defense lawyer during that trial, drawing a parallel to women watching and knitting as a form of protest during the French Revolution.
The number of 343 complainants is a direct nod to a historic petition from 1971, where 343 women acknowledged having terminated their pregnancies, advocating for the legal rights surrounding abortion.
Celebrities Rallying Support
Several public figures have shown solidarity with the feminist protesters targeted by Macron, adopting the term “#salesconnes.” Prominent actress Judith Godrèche, a leading voice in France’s #MeToo movement, took to social media to share her support, stating, “Me too – I’m also a salle conne and I support all the others.”
Conclusion
This incident involving Brigitte Macron highlights ongoing tensions surrounding women’s rights in France and raises questions about the relationship between public personas and private beliefs. With a significant number of complaints filed against her, the discussion around her comments and their implications will likely continue to unfold.
- Brigitte Macron’s comments about feminist protesters have sparked legal complaints.
- Over 300 women, referencing a historic feminist movement, have filed a complaint.
- The incident underscores a larger dialogue about women’s rights and public discourse in France.
- Support for the protesters continues to grow among public figures and activists.