In brief
First Lady Brigitte Macron faced backlash after she referred to activists protesting against comedian Ary Abittan as 'stupid bitches.' The protests were organized by Nous Toutes, a group advocating against violence toward women. The first lady's comments have been widely condemned, and many celebrities have rallied to support the activists, embracing the term as a badge of solidarity with victims of sexual violence.
French celebrities and feminists have voiced their outrage at first lady Brigitte Macron's language about activists who had protested at a comedian's show.
Activists wearing masks of Ary Abittan interrupted his stand-up show on Saturday shouting 'Abittan rapist'. Abittan was accused of rape in 2021, but investigators later dropped the case, citing lack of evidence.
Mrs Macron met Abittan before his performance on Sunday. In a video, he says he feels 'scared', to which Mrs Macron responds 'if there are any stupid bitches we'll kick them out', before smiling and laughing.
Mrs Macron's team told AFP news agency her words intended to 'critique the radical method' of the protest.
'Brigitte Macron does not approve of this radical method,' a member of her team added.
The words used by the first lady, 'sales connes' (which translates to 'stupid bitches'), have since been adopted by celebrities and feminists online who denounced her actions and violence towards women.
The demonstration was organised by Nous Toutes, a French organisation that fights against violence towards women.
The majority of those using '#salesconnes' on social media are doing so to voice their support for the feminist group.
Actor Judith Godrèche - who herself has accused a film director of historical rape, which he denies - added her support.
'I too am a stupid bitch,' she wrote on social media, with Belgian comedian Florence Mendez also saying she was 'proud' to be one.
Actor and singer Nadège Beausson-Diagne also adopted the term, writing on Instagram: 'I too am a stupid bitch in summer, winter, spring and autumn.'
She went on to voice her support for the 'courageous' woman who had accused Abittan of rape and for Nous Toutes, adding that the group will 'come back stronger to fight together against sexual violence'.
Actor Rachida Brakni also thanked the 'bitches' and tagged Nous Toutes in her post.
Stand-up comedian Marine Leonardi, meanwhile, wrote on Instagram: 'Feminists are never stupid bitches'.
Mrs Macron had attended Abittan's show with her daughter.
