The First Lady of France, Brigitte Macron, has apologized after a video surfaced showing her using abusive language against anti-rape activists. The incident has caused a significant political and rights controversy in France. The video shows the 72-year-old Macron attacking four feminist activists who interrupted a comedy show by comedian Ari Abitan, which she was attending. This protest comes amid ongoing opposition to Abitan's return to the stage, despite a 2021 rape charge against him being dropped after a three-year investigation, a decision upheld by the Court of Appeal in early 2025. In an interview with the French press, Macron expressed regret, saying, 'I deeply apologize if I have hurt women victims.' She stated that the words in the video were a personal expression made in a moment of anger and added, 'It is true that I am the wife of the President of the Republic, but above all I am a human being, and I can sometimes act inappropriately when I am alone.' She clarified that her comments were made backstage while she was comforting Abitan, who appeared anxious in the circulating video. She told him she would not allow 'dirty people' to disrupt the show. The day after the video's release, the hashtag #LesPutes (the bitches) trended on social media, with prominent politicians and artists, including actress Marion Cotillard, participating. Actress Judith Godrèche expressed her solidarity with the activists. In response, the French First Lady faced sharp criticism from officials and feminist organizations. Deputy Sarah Legran accused her of insulting women's rights defenders, while the organization 'Nos Tutelles' expressed its shock and anger. Left-wing deputy Aurore Tropello described Brigitte Macron's remarks as 'spitting in the face' of activists fighting against sexual violence. Green Party leader Julien Bayou called what happened an insult to all victims and activists. Despite the First Lady's office trying to downplay the situation, stating that the comments were aimed at the 'extreme methods' used by protesters to disrupt the show, the wave of anger did not subside. The 'Greff Feministe' group, comprising about 60 women's organizations, demanded a public and clear apology from Brigitte Macron. This case comes in a broader context that France has been experiencing since the 'Me Too' movement against sexual harassment and violence against women gained momentum. Accusations of rape and sexual assault have been leveled against prominent cultural figures, including actor Gérard Depardieu, who also faces allegations he denies, amidst ongoing political and media debate about sexual violence and accountability.
