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This is the moment that French First Lady Brigitte Macron was recorded referring to anti-rape activists as “nasty bitches” and “masked thugs.”
The 72-year-old spouse of President Emmanuel Macron has faced criticism for her derogatory remarks directed at radical feminist protesters during a conversation with comedian Ary Abittan.
French First Lady Brigitte Macron was recorded calling anti-rape activists “nasty bitches”Credit: x/@AAnemoyannis
She was seen backstage at comedian Ary Abittan’s show on SundayCredit: x/@AAnemoyannis
Her comments were made after activists interrupted his previous night’s performanceCredit: x/@AAnemoyannis
In a video published on the website of the weekly magazine “Public,” the First Lady can be seen backstage supporting the 51-year-old comedian, who faced rape accusations from a young woman he dated in 2021 after a month-long relationship.
The case was dismissed after a three-year investigation, with the ruling upheld on appeal in January of this year.
Ms. Macron was filmed during a visit to the Folies Bergère theatre in Paris on Sunday, the day after four activists disrupted a show by the comedian.
In the footage, Abittan expressed, “I’m scared” to the First Lady, to which she responded: “If those nasty bitches are here, we’re going to throw them out.”
“It’s unbelievable… masked thugs,” she added.
She was referring to the protesters on Saturday, who jumped from the audience during Abittan’s show while wearing masks and chanting “Abittan Rapist!”
The activists, part of the feminist collective #AllofUs ( #NousToutes ), were demonstrating against the comedian’s return to the stage and often gather outside venues where he performs.
Ms. Macron attended the show on Sunday with her daughter, Tiphaine Auzière.
Her comments have since drawn significant backlash.
MP Sarah Legrain was among many public figures who condemned Ms. Macron’s remarks.
“Brigitte Macron is insulting the feminists mobilized against the Folies Bergère,” she stated. “A dismissal of charges does not erase a woman’s words and injuries.”
A spokesperson for Ms. Macron clarified: “This exchange should only be interpreted as criticism of the radical methods employed by those who, wearing masks, disrupted Ary Abittan’s show on Saturday evening to prevent the artist from performing. Brigitte Macron does not endorse these radical methods.”
This statement followed allegations that accused Ms. Macron of being a “paedophile” who was “born a man.”
Seven defendants went on trial in October at the Paris Correctional Court on related charges.
The woman and six men could face up to two years in prison if found guilty—this includes the mother of three adult children from a previous marriage.
Ms. Macron has been engaged in a court battle against online trolls who claim she was born a manCredit: Reuters
Ms. Macron is the mother of three adult children from a previous marriageCredit: AFP
Malicious rumors alleging she was born a man continue to circulate online, propagated by conspiracy theorists and right-wing commentators, including American personality Candace Owens.
Last March, Owens claimed she “would stake [her] entire professional reputation” on the assertion that Ms. Macron was born a man.
When the Macrons filed for defamation in July, Ms. Owens responded by stating she would seek a medical examination as part of any trial in the USA.
The verdict for the Paris trial is anticipated next year.
Eze Chidiebere Paul
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