A private comment made by France's First Lady, Brigitte Macron, has unexpectedly triggered a significant public outcry, intensifying the nation's ongoing, complex discussions surrounding sexual violence, protest tactics, and political discourse. The controversy originated from a video, published by the media outlet *Public*, which captured Mrs. Macron employing a derogatory term to describe feminist activists who had disrupted a comedy show in Paris. Her subsequent explanation, criticizing the protesters' "radical method," has further emboldened her detractors and drawn prominent cultural figures into a heated societal conflict.
The incident occurred during a performance by actor-comedian Ary Abittan at the historic Folies Bergère theatre. Mr. Abittan's presence was already a contentious issue, as he had faced a rape allegation in 2021, though the investigation was concluded last year due to insufficient evidence. In protest, members of the feminist collective "Nous Toutes" infiltrated the Saturday evening event. These activists, wearing masks of the comedian bearing the label "rapist," interrupted the performance, denouncing what they described as a pervasive "culture of impunity" for individuals accused of sexual assault.
The following day, unaware that she was being filmed backstage, Brigitte Macron attempted to offer comfort to Mr. Abittan. In the widely circulated clip, she can be heard saying, "If there are any stupid bitches, we’ll kick them out." When the footage emerged on Monday, the reaction was immediate and severe. By Tuesday, her communications team had released a statement to the AFP news agency, seeking to reinterpret the remark. A spokesperson clarified that the First Lady's objection was not to the activists' cause but rather to their "radical method," asserting that it obstructed artistic freedom.
This justification has done little to alleviate the widespread anger. Instead, it has prompted a powerful wave of solidarity with the activists. The insult itself has been defiantly adopted on social media, with the hashtag #salesconnes becoming a trending symbol of resistance. Esteemed actor and director Judith Godrèche, a prominent voice in France's #MeToo movement following her own allegations against influential directors, publicly associated herself with the reclaimed term. Belgian comedian Florence Mendez joined her, indicating a broad cultural front against what they perceive as the belittling of feminist dissent.
This episode extends beyond a simple diplomatic misstep, revealing deeper societal divisions. It highlights the inherent tension between official responses to sexual violence and the growing impatience of activist movements demanding swift accountability. Furthermore, it prompts critical examination of the language employed by public figures when addressing sensitive social movements, suggesting a disconnect between the Élysée Palace and a substantial segment of the electorate. As the hashtag continues to gain traction and celebrities amplify their support, this controversy guarantees that conversations concerning power dynamics, protest, and acceptable public discourse will remain central to the French public sphere for the foreseeable future.