France was filled with street protests on Thursday as a collective of feminist groups voiced their strong opposition to President Emmanuel Macron’s support of actor Gérard Depardieu. With multiple allegations of sexual assault against him, the protests aimed to condemn Macron’s stance and demand an end to sexist and sexual violence.
Unifying the Cause
Under the banner of the Feminist Strike Collective, the feminist groups organized protests not only in Paris but also in satellite cities such as Toulouse, Marseille, and Lyon. The collective called upon all supporters of women’s rights, children’s rights, and gender equality to join the rallies. In a powerful statement released before the protests, they emphasized the importance of preserving the progress made since the #MeToo movement and not allowing it to be undermined by the President’s troubling and sexist remarks.
In Paris, approximately 400 people gathered in the emblematic Place Saint-Augustin, armed with placards bearing powerful slogans. The protest expressed a strong message of resistance against the patriarchal system, with slogans such as “Patriarchy, You’re Stuffed” and “Let’s Break The Old World.” The sight of these bold statements spurred a sense of unity among protestors who believed it was imperative to defend the rights of victims and challenge the President’s support for a person facing serious allegations.
The street protests were triggered by Macron’s public defense of Depardieu, whose star has significantly faded following the release of a documentary uncovering multiple allegations of sexually inappropriate behavior. In a mid-December interview on the talk show C à Vous, Macron insinuated that Depardieu was a victim of a witch-hunt, going as far as declaring his admiration for the actor and stating that he had made France proud. These comments, tinged with an undermining tone towards victims, sparked outrage and compelled feminist groups to take to the streets.
The Feminist Strike Collective, leading the charge against Macron’s support of Depardieu, comprised a diverse range of female and human rights organizations. Notable groups joining the collective included the Feminist Collective Against Rape (CFCV), the Fédération Nationale Solidarité Femmes (FNSF), the Human Rights League, Osez le féminisme (Dare To Be Feminist), and the Femen activist group. Together, they formed a powerful alliance driven by the common goal of eradicating sexism, sexual violence, and the silencing of victims.
The protests that echoed through France represented the realization of feminist unity against the President’s misguided support for Gérard Depardieu. With slogans reverberating through the streets and placards held high, the collective voice of these feminist groups demanded justice, equality, and an end to the culture of sexual violence. As their powerful message emerged, it became evident that French feminists were not willing to accept a world tainted by sexism and the blind support of sexual predators.