French feminists outraged by Brigitte Macron’s comments about activists

French celebrities and feminists have expressed outrage over first lady Brigitte Macron’s comments about activists protesting at the comedian’s performance.

On Saturday, activists wearing Ali Abitan masks interrupted his talk show by shouting “Abitan rapist.” Abitan was accused of rape in 2021, but investigators later dropped the case citing a lack of evidence.

Mrs Macron met Abitan ahead of Sunday’s performance. In one video, he said he felt “scared”, to which Mrs Macron responded “if there are any stupid bitches, we’ll kick them out” before laughing.

Mrs Macron’s team told AFP her words were intended to “criticize the radical approach of the protests”.

“Brigitte Macron is not in favor of this radical approach,” a member of her team added.

Macron’s use of the term “sales connes” (which translates as “stupid bitches”) has since been adopted by celebrities and feminists online who have condemned the first lady’s behavior and violence against women.

The demonstration was organized by Nous Toutes, a French organization that fights violence against women.

Most people who use “#salesconnes” on social media do so to show support for feminist groups.

Actor Judith Godrèche herself has accused a film director of historic rape, a charge he denies and she has supported.

“I’m a stupid bitch too,” she wrote on social media, with Belgian comedian Florence Mendes also saying she was “proud” to be one.

Actor and singer Nadège Beausson-Diagne also adopted the term, writing on Instagram: “Summer, winter, spring or autumn, I’m a stupid bitch too.”

She went on to express support for the “brave” women who accused Abitan of rape and Nous Toutes, adding that the organization would “come back stronger to fight sexual violence together”.

Actor Rachida Brakni also thanked the “bitches” and tagged Nous Toutes in her post.

Meanwhile, stand-up comedian Marine Leonardi wrote on Instagram: “Feminists were never stupid bitches”.

Mrs. Macron took her daughter to the performance in Abitan.