Incident at Folies Bergère Sparks Controversy
French First Lady Brigitte Macron has drawn widespread criticism following the emergence of a video in which she used a derogatory term to describe feminist activists. The incident occurred backstage at the Folies Bergère theatre in Paris on Sunday, December 7, 2025, where she was speaking with actor-comedian Ary Abittan before his performance.
The controversy stems from Macron's use of the French phrase 'sales connes', which translates to 'dirty bitches' or 'stupid bitches', in reference to activists who had disrupted Abittan's show the previous night.
Context of the Disruption and Macron's Comments
The disruption on Saturday, December 6, 2025, was carried out by members of the feminist campaign group Nous Toutes ('All of Us'). Activists protested Abittan's performance, shouting 'Abittan, rapist!' and wearing masks bearing his image with the word 'rapist'. This protest was in response to a 2021 rape allegation against Abittan, an investigation into which was terminated in 2024 due to a lack of evidence, a decision confirmed on appeal earlier this year.
In the video, filmed on Sunday, Abittan can be heard telling Brigitte Macron that he was 'scared' before his show. Macron then responded, 'If there are any stupid bitches, we'll kick them out.' Her office issued a statement explaining that her intention was to 'reassure an artist' and that she 'disapproves of the radical methods used to prevent an artist from performing on stage,' rather than attacking the feminist cause itself.
Widespread Condemnation and Solidarity
The First Lady's remarks quickly ignited a firestorm of criticism across France. Politicians from the left, including former Socialist president François Hollande and Green leader Marine Tondelier, condemned her language, with Hollande stating, 'There's a problem of vulgarity.' Tondelier described the comments as 'extremely serious' and inappropriate for a First Lady.
In a show of solidarity, many feminist activists and celebrities, including actress Judith Godrèche, adopted the insult, using the hashtag #salesconnes on social media. Nous Toutes stated on Instagram, 'We denounce venues that roll out a red carpet for men accused of rape, normalising sexist and sexual violence. It is a public insult to the victims.' Conversely, some on the French far-right defended Macron, with National Rally politician Jean-Philippe Tanguy suggesting her private comments were 'stolen' and that the criticism was 'very hypocritical.'
11 Comments
Coccinella
The activists were completely out of line. Abittan was cleared!
Mariposa
The activists have a right to protest and raise awareness, but disrupting a public performance might not be the most effective way to advance their cause, especially after legal proceedings concluded. There are better avenues for advocacy.
Comandante
It's tough for public figures to have private moments, but using such a derogatory term, even in a supposed private setting, reflects poorly and fuels the very division she claims to oppose. A more diplomatic response was needed.
eliphas
While her intent might have been to reassure the artist, the choice of words was deeply unfortunate and inappropriate for her position. It overshadows any valid points about disruption.
anubis
There's a fine line between protecting an artist's right to perform and acknowledging the legitimate concerns of feminist groups regarding sexual violence. Both sides need to find more constructive ways to engage rather than resorting to insults or disruptions.
lettlelenok
A First Lady should elevate discourse, not stoop to vulgar insults.
Noir Black
Absolutely unacceptable language from a First Lady. Disgraceful!
KittyKat
She was reassuring a scared performer. Her intentions were clearly good.
Katchuka
It was a private comment, stolen and twisted. She was just defending an artist.
Loubianka
This comment trivializes serious issues of sexual violence. Shameful.
BuggaBoom
Finally, someone stands up to these constant disruptions! Good for her.