Brigitte Macron’s Sexist Remark Triggers Backlash Across France. Brigitte Macron sparked national outrage after she used a sexist slur to describe protesters during a private exchange captured on camera at comedian Ary Abittan’s show. Abittan, previously accused of rape in 2021 before the case was dismissed after a three-year investigation, told Macron he feared activists disrupting his performances. Macron responded, “If there are any stupid b*tches, we’ll kick them out,” prompting criticism once the footage briefly circulated online. Feminist collective #NousToutes had protested Abittan’s show the night before, with many activists wearing masks bearing his image. French feminists and celebrities reclaimed the slur online, including Oscar winner Marion Cotillard, who posted “je suis une sale conne” — “I’m a stupid b*tch” — adding she was proud of it. Government spokesperson Maud Bregeon condemned the activists’ disruption, saying it disregarded the court’s ruling, and insisted Brigitte Macron should not apologize. Green party leader Marine Tondelier called the first lady’s comment “extremely serious,” stressing that feminists have a right to voice concerns even if the case was dismissed. Former French president François Hollande also criticized the language, saying that when women are fighting violence against women, such words should not be used.