PARIS — In a remarkable public address, France’s First Lady Brigitte Macron has broken her silence regarding the controversial use of derogatory language against feminist protesters, characterizing her remarks as “clumsy” but insisting they were made during a private moment without awareness of being recorded.
During an extensive interview with digital media outlet Brut published Monday evening, Macron acknowledged her choice of words was “very direct” while maintaining context for the exchange. The incident occurred backstage at Paris’ historic Folies Bergère theatre earlier this month, where she was conversing with French actor and comedian Ary Abittan prior to his performance.
Addressing Abittan’s apparent distress following previous night’s protest disruption by feminist activists who shouted “Abittan, rapist!” during his show, Macron attempted to reassure the performer. When Abittan expressed fear about the ongoing situation, the First Lady employed a sexist slur to describe the demonstrators, adding “We’ll toss them out.”
The revelation sparked immediate condemnation from multiple sectors, including organizations combating sexual and sexist violence, alongside political opponents of President Emmanuel Macron’s administration.
In her defense, Brigitte Macron emphasized the private nature of the conversation, stating: “I am not always the wife of the president of the Republic. I also have a private life and this was a private moment. I am sorry if I hurt women victims. It’s them and just them that I am thinking of.”
While expressing understanding for those offended, Macron simultaneously criticized protest tactics that disrupt artistic performances, questioning: “How does he carry on afterward? What is the meaning of this censorship being placed on artists?”
The context involves Abittan’s previous legal challenges, as magistrates terminated a 2021 rape investigation due to insufficient evidence in 2024, a decision upheld on appeal this January. Feminist collective “Nous Toutes” (All of Us) organized the protests to highlight what they characterize as “the culture of impunity” surrounding sexual violence in France.
When pressed about regret, Macron responded: “I cannot regret speaking. I don’t want to regret. It is true that I am the wife of the president of the Republic, but I am also myself above anything.”