Overview
- A video published Monday by Public shows the First Lady backstage at the Folies Bergère on Sunday telling Ary Abittan, in reference to masked activists, “If there are ‘sales connes,’ we’ll throw them out,” and adding “especially masked bandits.”
- Four #NousToutes activists had interrupted Abittan’s performance on Saturday wearing masks labeled “rapist” and chanting “Abittan rapist” before being removed by security.
- Left-wing leaders, Greens, and figures from the right criticized the language, with CFDT chief Marylise Léon and former president François Hollande calling it inappropriate, while Macron-allied deputies labeled the words inelegant but objected to disruptive protests.
- Brigitte Macron’s entourage said the comment targeted the protesters’ “radical method,” and there has been no public apology from her at this time.
- Abittan’s lawyer reiterated Tuesday that the case ended in a non‑lieu confirmed on appeal and described him as innocent in the eyes of the law, as activists reclaimed the insult with the hashtag #salesconnes and supporters such as Judith Godrèche posted messages of solidarity.