France's First Lady, Brigitte Macron, has ignited a political and social firestorm after defending her use of a highly offensive sexist slur. The incident, which occurred backstage at a theatre, has triggered widespread backlash across the nation.
A Private Remark Made Public
The controversy stems from remarks made by Brigitte Macron on Tuesday 16 December 2025. Speaking backstage to actor Ary Abittan after his performance, she referred to feminist campaigners who had disrupted his show as "dirty b - - - - - s". The first lady has since stated she was speaking in a private capacity and did not realise she was being filmed.
In her defence, Macron described the language as "clumsy" but insisted it was made in private. She expressed regret if her words had hurt women who are victims of violence, clarifying she was not acting in her official role as the president's wife during the exchange.
The Protest and the Context
The protest that prompted the remark was organised by the feminist group "Nous Toutes" (All of Us). They targeted Abittan's show to highlight what they call a "culture of impunity" surrounding sexual violence. The actor had previously been accused of rape, though the judicial investigation into those allegations was terminated.
Macron also used her statement to criticise the protesters' methods. She argued strongly against the interruption of artistic performances, stating she cannot bear such "censorship" being placed on artists. This defence positions the clash as one between artistic freedom and activist protest.
Repercussions and National Debate
The fallout from the leaked comments has been swift and severe. The use of such a derogatory term by a prominent public figure, especially one associated with the presidency, has been condemned by feminist organisations and political commentators alike. The incident has sparked a fierce debate in France about language, privilege, and the boundaries between private sentiment and public duty.
Key questions now centre on whether a figure like the first lady can truly separate a "private" conversation from her public role, and how the defence of artistic expression balances against the right to protest. The backlash continues to unfold, ensuring this story remains at the forefront of French public discourse.
