August M
A leaked backstage video has plunged France’s first lady into a fresh controversy, igniting debate over feminist activism,
The footage, first circulated by Public and reported by POLITICO, shows Brigitte Macron reacting sharply to the prospect of protests at a Paris comedy show.
The clip has since been removed, but its impact has spread quickly across political and cultural circles.
Backstage confrontation
According to POLITICO, Brigitte Macron is heard asking comedian Ary Abittan how he felt before going on stage. “Scared,” he replied, alluding to the possibility of further disruptions after feminist demonstrators had interrupted his previous show, shouting “Abittan, rapist!”
The first lady then responded: “If some stupid bastards show up, we’ll kick them out.”
Abittan is touring again after prosecutors declined to bring charges in a rape case, stating that evidence was insufficient to establish coercion.
While investigators acknowledged the complainant suffered post-traumatic stress, Abittan has denied wrongdoing and maintains the encounter was consensual.”
Cultural voices speak out
According to News.ro, prominent figures in the arts also weighed in. Actress Judith Godrèche, who has been central to exposing abuse in the film industry, posted on Instagram: “I’m a stupid bastard too. And I support all the others.”
Singer and actress Camélia Jordana shared a photo with “#saleconne” written on her forehead in solidarity with protesters.
Élysée response
In a statement to AFP cited by News.ro, the first lady’s office said her comment was intended as “a criticism of the radical methods used by those who interrupted and obstructed Ary Abittan’s performance,” framing the episode as a reaction to disruption rather than to feminist activism itself.
Sources: POLITICO, Public, News.ro, AFP, RTL, BFMTV
