Brigitte Macron calls feminist hecklers ‘stupid b****es’ in rant caught on camera
France’s First Lady Brigitte Macron has ignited controversy after being filmed calling anti-rape protesters “stupid b****es” backstage at the Folies Bergère theatre in Paris. The incident occurred one day after activists disrupted a performance by comedian Ary Abittan, who previously faced rape allegations that were dismissed in 2023.
In the viral video, Macron is heard responding to Abittan, who expressed fear before returning to the stage, saying: “If there are any stupid b****es, we’ll kick them out — especially masked bandits.” Her remarks triggered widespread criticism from feminist organizations and political figures across France.
Four activists from the feminist collective NousToutes interrupted Abittan’s show wearing masks of the performer’s face with the word “rapist” written on their foreheads. The group later reclaimed the insult on social media, writing: “stupid b****es and proud of it!”
A spokesperson for the First Lady defended her comments as a criticism of “radical methods,” not of feminism itself. Still, many public figures, including actor Judith Godrèche and several elected officials, condemned the remarks as incompatible with President Emmanuel Macron’s pledge to make gender equality the “great national cause” of his term.
The backlash adds to ongoing tensions around sexual-violence cases in France, as Ms. Macron also continues separate legal action against individuals accused of cyberbullying her online.
