In brief
French first lady Brigitte Macron stirred controversy with her comments during a recent incident involving activist protests against comedian Ary Abittan. Activists shouted allegations against Abittan before his show, and Mrs. Macron's response to the situation has prompted a strong backlash from feminists and celebrities. Many have adopted the phrase she used, '#salesconnes', to express solidarity with the activists and condemn violence toward women. Prominent figures in the French entertainment industry have rallied around the cause, urging a unified front against 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 Macron, sales connes (which translates to stupid bitches), have since been adopted by celebrities and feminists online who denounced the first lady's 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.
