The last straw. On Tuesday, December 16, the feminist association Les Tricoteuses hystériques announced that they have filed a complaint for public insult against Brigitte Macron. The issue at hand: remarks made on December 7, during which the First Lady allegedly referred to feminist activists who interrupted a show by comedian Ary Abittan as « dirty bitches ».
The complaint is filed « on behalf of 343 women and associations», a highly symbolic number referring to the Manifesto of the 343, published in 1971, where women declared they had undergone abortions when the act was still illegal. « A political and feminist choice», asserts the association, which was born in the wake of the Mazan rape trials.
Les Tricoteuses hystériques are acting alongside two other collectives, 3Egales3 and MeTooMedia, believing that these comments are unacceptable.
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Ary Abittan, feminism, and freedom of expression: an explosive mix
The incident stems from the interruption, on December 6, of a show by Ary Abittan by activists from the collective #NousToutes. The comedian had been accused of rape in 2021, before being acquitted…eacute;cision, having resulted in a dismissal.
A judicial decision that continues to divide opinions, especially among feminist and cultural circles. The dismissal does not mean that the accused has been exonerated, but rather that the evidence was deemed insufficient for a trial. This is a point regularly emphasized by feminist associations, considering that nearly 80% of complaints about sexual violence in France do not lead to any action, according to the Ministry of Justice.
For activists, disrupting the performance was a political act aimed at denouncing the impunity of men accused of sexual violence. For others, it was seen as an attack on artistic freedom. The comments made by Brigitte Macron, perceived as a direct and insulting attack on the feminist movement, quickly fanned the flames.
As a result: a wave of indignation within feminist ranks, on the left, but also among others.numerous figures from the world of culture.
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« Sorry », but no regrets
In response to the controversy, Brigitte Macron spoke for the first time on Monday during an interview with the media Brut. The spouse of the President stated that she felt « sorry » if her propos say « blessed are the women victims », while stating they « do not regret » their words.
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A position that continues to fuel the debate, while the complaint is now moving forward. Beyond the judicial aspect, the case once again questions the place of feminist voices in the public space, the handling of sexual violence… and the symbolic responsibility of those who embody power.