Archive · 16 Dec 2025
Brigitte Macron Defends Sexist Slur
Brigitte Macron, the First Lady of France, apologized for calling feminist protesters 'dirty b – – – – – s' after a video of her remark went viral.
She made the comment in a private conversation with Ary Abittan, an actor who had been accused of rape but not charged.
The protesters had disrupted his show to highlight what they described as a culture of impunity around sexual violence.
Brigitte Macron said she was sorry if she hurt anyone but defended her comments as a private moment of reassurance.
She also criticized the protesters for interrupting performances, calling it a form of censorship.
The incident has sparked a debate about the appropriate ways to address issues of sexual violence and the boundaries of public and private behavior for public figures.
Brigitte Macron apologized for using a sexist slur against feminist protesters who disrupted a comedy show featuring Ary Abittan.
The comments were made in a private conversation with Abittan, who had been accused of rape but not charged.
Brigitte Macron defended her remarks as a clumsy attempt to reassure Abittan and criticized the protesters for interrupting performances.
The feminist group 'Nous Toutes' disrupted the show to protest the culture of impunity around sexual violence in France.
Magistrates terminated the investigation into the rape allegation against Abittan due to a lack of evidence, a decision confirmed on appeal in January 2024.
- Who
- Brigitte Macron, French First Lady
- What
- Defended her use of a sexist slur against feminist protesters
- When
- Early December 2023 (incident), Monday (apology)
- Where
- Folies Bergère theatre, Paris
- Why
- To reassure Ary Abittan and express her disapproval of the protesters' actions
Feminist Protesters
Brigitte Macron
Use of Sexist Language
Feminist Protesters
Brigitte Macron's use of a sexist slur against feminist protesters was inappropriate and hurtful, especially given her public position.
Brigitte Macron
The comments were made in a private moment and were not intended to be public, and were a clumsy attempt to reassure a friend.
Disruption of Performances
Feminist Protesters
Disrupting performances is a valid form of protest against figures accused of sexual violence, highlighting the culture of impunity.
Brigitte Macron
Interrupting performances is a form of censorship that harms artists and their ability to perform, and is not a constructive way to address issues.
- Person Involved
- Brigitte Macron, Ary Abittan, Nous Toutes
- Event
- Apology and defense of sexist slur against feminist protesters
- Date of Incident
- Early December 2023
- Date of Apology
- Monday (specific date not mentioned)
- Location
- Folies Bergère theatre, Paris
- Legal Status of Ary Abittan
- Not charged with rape; investigation terminated due to lack of evidence
- Feminist Group
- Nous Toutes
