Full Breakdown
Brigitte Macron Faces Legal Complaint Over Controversial Remarks
12/18/2025, 10:57:55 PM
Incident Overview: Remarks and Backlash
Brigitte Macron, the First Lady of France, is facing a legal complaint from over 300 women’s rights organizations following derogatory remarks she made about feminist protesters. The incident occurred during a backstage conversation at the Folies Bergère theatre in Paris, where Macron was attending a performance by comedian Ary Abittan, who has previously faced rape allegations. In a video that surfaced, Macron referred to the protesters as “sales connes,” which translates to “stupid bitches,” and suggested that if they returned, “we’ll toss them out.” The complaint, filed by 343 women, references a historically significant number in French feminism, echoing a 1971 petition advocating for abortion rights.
Context of the Protest
The feminist group Nous Toutes (All of Us) organized the protest against Abittan’s performance, denouncing what they termed a “culture of impunity” surrounding sexual violence in France. The protestors interrupted the show by chanting “Abittan, rapist!” in response to the actor's past allegations. The legal complaint against Macron highlights a perceived disconnect between her public advocacy for women's rights and her private comments.
Brigitte Macron's Defense
In response to the backlash, Brigitte Macron defended her remarks, describing them as “clumsy” and made in a private context. She stated, “I completely understand” the shock her comments caused but emphasized that they were not intended for public consumption. Macron expressed regret for any hurt caused to victims of sexual violence but maintained that she would not retract her words, asserting her right to express herself in private settings. “I am not always the wife of the president of the Republic. I also have a private life,” she remarked.
Legal and Social Implications
The lawsuit has drawn significant attention, with feminist groups arguing that Macron's words carry weight due to her position as First Lady. Juliette Chapelle, a lawyer for the complainants, stated, “She’s France’s first lady, her words matter.” The incident has sparked a broader discussion about the responsibilities of public figures in addressing issues of sexism and violence against women.
Public and Celebrity Reactions
The controversy has prompted various public figures to express solidarity with the protesters, adopting the hashtag #salesconnes on social media. Notably, actress Judith Godrèche, a prominent voice in the #MeToo movement, publicly identified with the insult, stating, “Me too – I’m also a salle conne and I support all the others.” This reaction underscores the ongoing dialogue about the treatment of women in the public sphere and the accountability of those in power.
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
While the legal complaint has been filed, the investigation into Abittan's past allegations was terminated in 2024 due to insufficient evidence, a decision upheld on appeal. This context adds complexity to the public's reaction to Macron's comments, as opinions vary on the appropriateness of her remarks in light of the ongoing discussions about sexual violence in France.
Verbatim Quotes
- “I cannot take them back,” — Brigitte Macron, First Lady of France
- “She’s France’s first lady, her words matter.” — Juliette Chapelle, Lawyer for the complainants
- “I completely understand” that some people were shocked. — Brigitte Macron, First Lady of France
The legal proceedings and public discourse surrounding Brigitte Macron's comments will likely continue to evolve, reflecting the broader societal challenges related to feminism and accountability in France.
