Brigitte Macron Faces Backlash Over Private Remarks Caught on Camera

Brigitte Macron, France's First Lady, faces criticism for using a sexist slur in a private conversation that was recorded without her knowledge. She defended her comments as clumsy, meant as private remarks. The conversation was about feminist protesters disrupting a performance by an actor previously accused of rape.

Brigitte Macron, France's First Lady, is at the center of controversy after her private comments, labeled sexist, were captured on video. The incident occurred backstage at a Paris theater where actor Abittan was performing, amid protests by feminists calling out his past rape allegations.

While Macron acknowledged the comments were clumsy and meant to stay private, she emphasized speaking from a personal capacity, separate from her role as the president's spouse. Her words, however, drew criticism from women's rights activists and political opponents, reigniting debates on the treatment of sexual violence in France.

The video resurfaced following the dismissal of rape charges against Abittan due to insufficient evidence. In her defense, Macron noted the importance of free expression and criticized the censorship of artists by disruptive protests. Despite her regret over the language used, she maintains her right to speak freely in private.

(With inputs from agencies.)