Brigitte Macron Controversy: ‘Sales Connes’ Remark & Feminist Backlash
Brigitte Macron Faces Backlash Over Comments at French Comedy Show
Paris – Brigitte Macron, the wife of French President Emmanuel Macron, is facing criticism after a video surfaced showing her using a vulgar term to describe feminist activists who disrupted a comedy show. The incident has ignited a debate about freedom of expression, the handling of sexual assault allegations, and the role of public figures in addressing sensitive social issues.
Image: Brigitte Macron arriving at an event. (Source: Getty Images)
The Incident
The controversy unfolded Sunday evening when Brigitte Macron attended a performance by comedian Ary Abittan. Abittan was previously accused of rape in 2021, though the case was dismissed in 2023 due to insufficient evidence. Before the show, Macron spoke with Abittan, who expressed fear following disruptions to his performances by feminist protesters.
The protesters, members of the feminist collective #NousToutes (“All of Us”), had interrupted Abittan’s show, chanting slogans accusing him of violence. In a video circulating widely online, Macron is heard responding to Abittan’s concerns by saying, “If there are stupid bitches (sales connes), we’ll kick them out.”
A Nation Grappling with Sexual Misconduct
The use of the derogatory term sparked immediate outrage. #NousToutes quickly adopted the phrase as a hashtag, with supporters sharing it widely as a symbol of solidarity. Judith Godrèche, a prominent actress who has become a leading voice against sexual harassment in the French cultural sector, also shared the hashtag, amplifying the controversy.
France has been reckoning with a series of high-profile allegations of sexual violence in recent years. Just this May, veteran actor Gérard Depardieu was convicted of sexual assault, and currently faces further accusations of rape. President Macron himself publicly expressed admiration for Depardieu in 2023, stating he believed the actor was the target of a “witch hunt” and deserved the presumption of innocence.
Official Response and Context
Brigitte Macron’s team has attempted to contextualize her remarks, arguing they were directed at the “radical methods” employed by the protesters, not at the activists themselves. A spokesperson stated that Macron “does not approve of this radical method,” according to Le Monde.
However, critics argue that the language used by the First Lady is unacceptable, regardless of the target. The incident highlights the complex challenges of navigating public discourse around sensitive issues like sexual assault and the balance between freedom of expression and the need to protect victims.
Broader Implications
According to a 2022 report by the French Ministry of the Interior, reports of sexual assault and rape increased by 28% between 2018 and 2021, though reporting rates remain significantly lower than actual incidence, with estimates suggesting only 15% of sexual assaults are reported to authorities. This underscores the importance of creating a safe and supportive environment for victims to come forward.
The controversy surrounding Brigitte Macron’s comments comes at a crucial moment in France, as the country continues to grapple with the legacy of the #MeToo movement and the ongoing fight for gender equality. The incident is likely to fuel further debate about these issues and the role of public figures in shaping the national conversation.