Brigitte Macron directed a derogatory term at feminist activists who interrupted the performance of an actor-comedian previously accused of rape
France’s first lady Brigitte Macron is confronting a legal complaint following footage that captured her referring to feminist protesters as “stupid b***hes” at a Paris theatre earlier this month.
On Tuesday, a coalition of feminist groups submitted a public insult complaint against France’s first lady, stating it was “on behalf of 343 women and associations, who collectively and individually declare themselves to be affected by [Macron’s] remarks,” according to French legal think tank Le Club des Juristes.
The dispute originated from a now-removed video clip showing Macron having a private backstage conversation with actor-comedian Ary Abittan, whose stand-up performance had been interrupted the night before by feminist activists labeling him a ‘rapist.’ Abittan had previously faced rape accusations, but the case was dismissed due to insufficient evidence.
In the leaked footage, Abittan jokes about his anxiety, prompting Macron to reply: “If there are any stupid b***hes, we’ll kick them out.”
A representative from the French presidency stated the first lady had been trying to ease the actor’s nerves and intended only to condemn what she viewed as extreme tactics used to disrupt the show.
Even with that clarification, backlash grew quickly—politicians from various parties, along with activists and film industry figures, denounced the comment. Macron subsequently apologized, characterizing the video-captured statements as “private” remarks.
The location where the complaint was filed remains unclear. Under French law, the president’s spouse has no legal immunity, but statutes against “public insult” only target remarks made in public—raising questions about whether a privately spoken comment later leaked online meets that threshold. Private insults may instead count as a minor offense, punishable by a small fine.
A feminist group named The Hysterical Knitters noted that feminist organizations had backed Macron for years in response to “relentless harassment fueled by a transphobic rumor.”
Macron has previously been the focus of a prolonged legal dispute linked to online conspiracy theories falsely claiming she is transgender. A court ruling this year fined the rumor’s originators and reignited debate over digital harassment targeting public figures.