Kelly Piquet, the girlfriend of Formula 1 driver Max Verstappen, has faced backlash after posting a strongly-worded statement on Instagram about the protests in France. The 37-year-old German-born model criticised the destruction of public buildings and businesses during the unrest, arguing that people can demand change without resorting to violence.
Piquet's comments came amid nationwide protests sparked by high school students blockading schools over teacher shortages and poor facilities in late September. The demonstrations led to marches, thousands of arrests, and injuries. In her post, Piquet noted how shop owners, families, and taxpayers are suffering from the unrest.
Piquet's Instagram Statement
In her Instagram post, Piquet wrote: "Watching what is happening in France and in other European countries is deeply upsetting. There is a difference between protesting, demanding change and making your voice heard, and destroying the very communities you claim to be fighting for."
She continued: "People can have very real reasons to be angry. They can feel unheard, frustrated and abandoned by the institutions meant to serve them. But burning public buildings, destroying businesses, attacking people and leaving entire streets devastated doesn't fix any of those problems."
Criticism from Fans
Piquet has since received criticism from fans, with some accusing her of being out of touch with the financial struggles of most French citizens because of her privileged background. Verstappen and Piquet live in Monaco, alongside their daughter Lily, who was born in April 2025, and Piquet's older daughter Penelope from her previous relationship.
One irate user said on X: "Kelly girl just shut up. Read the room." Another wrote: "A millionaire who lives in Monaco telling the working class how to protest for their rights." A third put: "Kelly Piquet is an influencer who lives in monaco and she thought she could talk about the french working class and make a relevant and smart point?"
Defenders and Mixed Reactions
There were some, however, who defended Piquet's comments. One user said: "How do you see this... And think that she is wrong? What." Another put: "And she's right so what's your problem?"
A third wrote: "What's funny is that all of you know what she's saying is true, y'all don't want her to say it." A fourth said: "She's not wrong. idiotic take this."
