Tue Dec 16 01:55:10 UTC 2025: Here’s a summary of the text:
Brigitte Macron, France’s first lady, has apologized for using a derogatory term against feminist activists who protested a performance by an actor, Ary Abittan, previously accused of rape. The incident sparked a social media backlash and demands for an apology from feminist groups. While apologizing to victims, she defended her right to express herself freely in private. The incident comes amid ongoing discussions about sexual assault allegations against prominent cultural figures in France, following the #MeToo movement.
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French First Lady Apologizes for Slur Against Activists
Paris – Brigitte Macron, France’s First Lady, issued an apology on Monday, December 15, 2025, for using a derogatory term against feminist activists who protested a stand-up show by French actor Ary Abittan, previously accused of rape. The incident, caught on video and widely circulated online, ignited a social media firestorm and sparked calls for an apology from feminist organizations.
In an interview with media outlet Brut, the 72-year-old Macron expressed regret if her words had “hurt women victims,” while defending her right to express herself candidly in private. “I am sorry if I hurt women victims,” she stated. “True, I am the wife of the president of the republic, but I am above all myself. And so when I am in private, I can let myself go in a way that is not totally proper.”
The activists were protesting Abittan’s performance due to past rape accusations against him, which were later dropped. They wore masks of the actor with the word “rapist” written on them. The incident has reignited discussions about the treatment of sexual assault allegations in France, particularly in the entertainment industry, which has been grappling with the fallout of the #MeToo movement. The incident happened on December 7 and the video was published the next day.
The apology comes amid broader concerns over accusations of sexual misconduct against well-known French cultural figures, including screen icon Gerard Depardieu, who was recently convicted of sexually assaulting two women and is facing further charges of rape.
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