Full Breakdown
Brigitte Macron's Controversial Remarks Spark Feminist Backlash
12/16/2025, 11:06:43 PM
Incident Overview
Brigitte Macron, the First Lady of France, has faced significant backlash following her use of a sexist slur to describe feminist protesters during a private conversation. The incident occurred backstage at the Folies Bergère theatre in Paris on December 7, 2025, where she was speaking with comedian Ary Abittan, who had been disrupted by activists from the feminist group Nous Toutes. The protesters were vocal against Abittan, who had previously faced rape allegations, chanting “Abittan, rapist!” during his performance.
Context of the Remarks
In a video that surfaced online, Brigitte Macron referred to the protesters as “dirty bitches” while attempting to reassure Abittan, who expressed fear about returning to the stage. She later described her comments as “clumsy” and acknowledged that they were made in a private setting, stating, “I didn’t see that someone behind me was filming.” The remarks quickly ignited outrage, particularly among feminist activists and political opponents of her husband, President Emmanuel Macron.
Official Statements & Responses
In an interview with the media outlet Brut, Brigitte Macron expressed regret for any hurt caused to victims of sexual violence but maintained that she would not retract her words. “I cannot regret speaking. I don’t want to regret,” she stated, emphasizing her dual identity as both the president's wife and an individual. She criticized the protesters for their methods, questioning the implications of censoring artists and stating, “We aren’t judges.”
Criticism & Opposition
The backlash against Brigitte Macron's comments was swift, with feminist groups and political figures condemning her language. Marine Tondelier, leader of the Greens party, labeled the remarks as “gravely offensive,” asserting that a First Lady should not use such language. The incident also led to the trending of hashtags like #SalesConnes (#StupidBitches) on social media, with various public figures, including actors Judith Godrèche and Marion Cotillard, expressing their disapproval.
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
While Brigitte Macron acknowledged the shock her comments caused, she insisted that the context was private and not intended for public consumption. However, the distinction between her private and public personas has been a point of contention, with critics arguing that her position as First Lady carries a responsibility to uphold certain standards of discourse.
What's Next
The incident has raised broader discussions about the treatment of sexual violence allegations in France, particularly in the wake of the #MeToo movement. Activists continue to call for accountability and a reevaluation of how public figures address issues of gender-based violence. The fallout from Brigitte Macron's remarks may influence future dialogues surrounding feminism and the responsibilities of those in positions of power.
