Brigitte Macron Sparks Outcry After Using Sexist Slur About Protesters

France's first lady, Brigitte Macron, has drawn sharp criticism after a video emerged showing her using a sexist slur to describe protesters who interrupted a performance by comedian Ary Abittan.

Abittan — who was accused of rape in 2021 — told Macron in the filmed exchange that he felt "scared" of activists who disrupt his shows. The criminal case was dismissed after a three-year investigation and that decision was later upheld by French courts.

In the footage, Macron responds with a remark that quickly became the focus of public debate:

"If there are any stupid b*tches, we'll kick them out."

She then laughed and urged Abittan not to speak about "the problem" that evening, an apparent reference to the protesters.

Members of the feminist collective #NousToutes — some wearing masks bearing Abittan's image — interrupted the comedian's Saturday-night performance to protest alleged sexual violence and to stand in solidarity with survivors.

The clip prompted a wave of reactions across France. Several celebrities and activists reclaimed the slur on social media as a gesture of solidarity with survivors of sexual violence. Academy Award winner Marion Cotillard posted a black image reading "je suis une sale conne" ("I'm a stupid b*tch") with the caption "et fière de l'être" ("and proud of it").

Government spokeswoman Maud Bregeon criticized the protesters for disregarding a court ruling and said she was "deeply shocked" by the disruption; when asked whether Brigitte Macron should apologise, Bregeon replied, "No."

Other political figures condemned the first lady's language. Marine Tondelier, leader of Les Ecologistes (the Greens), told BFMTV that the comment was "extremely serious" and said, "A first lady should not say that." Former president François Hollande described the words as ill-chosen and warned against using such language when discussing women who fight violence against women.

The episode has reignited public debate in France over the boundaries of acceptable language for public figures, how governors and celebrities should respond to allegations of sexual misconduct, and how to support survivors while respecting legal processes.