French first lady issues partial apology for controversial remarks about feminists

French First Lady Brigitte Macron has issued a partial apology after being recorded referring to feminist activists as “sales connes”—a phrase roughly translating to “stupid bitches”—but defended her right to speak freely in private.

In an interview with the online news outlet Brut, Macron said her remarks were made in a private context while attending a performance by comedian Ary Abittan, who had previously been accused of rape in a case later dismissed. She emphasized that she would not have used such language publicly, POLITICO reports.

“I’m sorry if I hurt female victims [of sexual assault],” Macron said. She added: “I’m the president’s wife, but I’m also myself, and in a private context, I can let myself loose in a way which isn’t appropriate … people have the right to [freely] speak and think.”

The controversy arose from a now-deleted clip published by gossip outlet Public, in which Macron is seen speaking to Abittan before his performance. When the comedian replied that he was “afraid”—likely in reference to potential protest interruptions—Macron responded: “If there are stupid bitches, we’ll toss them out.”

The incident followed an attempt by a small group of activists, wearing cardboard masks of Abittan’s face, to disrupt the show in Paris. They reportedly shouted “Abittan rapist” but were pushed back by security, as shown in video published by Le Média.

Macron’s comments provoked widespread outrage, drawing criticism from French politicians, feminist organizations, and film industry figures. In solidarity with the protesters, the hashtag #JeSuisUneSaleConne (#IAmAStupidBitch) circulated on social media, shared by prominent personalities including actress Judith Godrèche—known for her activism against sexual violence in film—and Oscar winner Marion Cotillard.

The controversy comes as Abittan embarks on his first tour following an investigation in which judges declined to press charges. While the plaintiff was found to have suffered post-traumatic stress, authorities concluded there was insufficient evidence to determine that the sexual encounter had been forced. Abittan has consistently denied wrongdoing, asserting that the act was consensual.

By Vafa Guliyeva