French Minister Sparks Controversy with Playboy Cover Appearance
French government minister Marlene Schiappa has found herself at the center of controversy after appearing on the front cover of Playboy magazine, a move that has drawn criticism from members of her own party and other politicians.
Schiappa, who has been serving as the country's first Gender Equality Minister since 2017, was featured in a 12-page interview with the magazine discussing women's and LGBT rights. The article coincides with France being gripped by a social crisis, including policing issues and rising poverty rates, according to Green Party politician Sandrine Rousseau.
The controversy surrounding Schiappa's appearance on Playboy has been fueled by her recent efforts to push through a new sexual harassment law in the country, which allows for on-the-spot fines to be issued to men who catcall or harass women in public. The law has been seen as a significant step forward in addressing gender-based violence.
Despite her government ministerial duties and advocacy work, Schiappa's appearance on Playboy magazine has sparked criticism from French Prime Minister Elisabeth Borne, with the Prime Minister stating that it was "not appropriate" at a time when France is facing a social crisis.
French politician Jean Luc Mélenchon has also criticized both Schiappa's appearance and President Emmanuel Macron's decision to give an interview to children's magazine Pif Gadget. Mélenchon described this as the "problem" in France, where public figures are often seen to be out of touch with reality.
Schiappa responded to her critics by saying that she is defending women's rights to control their bodies and have freedom in France. The French Interior Minister Gérald Darmanin has come to Schiappa's defense, calling her a "woman of character" who has her style but also respects others' opinions.
The controversy surrounding Schiappa's appearance on Playboy magazine highlights the ongoing issues of sexism and hypocrisy in French politics, where some public figures are seen as out of touch with reality and their actions are perceived to be contradictory to their values.
French government minister Marlene Schiappa has found herself at the center of controversy after appearing on the front cover of Playboy magazine, a move that has drawn criticism from members of her own party and other politicians.
Schiappa, who has been serving as the country's first Gender Equality Minister since 2017, was featured in a 12-page interview with the magazine discussing women's and LGBT rights. The article coincides with France being gripped by a social crisis, including policing issues and rising poverty rates, according to Green Party politician Sandrine Rousseau.
The controversy surrounding Schiappa's appearance on Playboy has been fueled by her recent efforts to push through a new sexual harassment law in the country, which allows for on-the-spot fines to be issued to men who catcall or harass women in public. The law has been seen as a significant step forward in addressing gender-based violence.
Despite her government ministerial duties and advocacy work, Schiappa's appearance on Playboy magazine has sparked criticism from French Prime Minister Elisabeth Borne, with the Prime Minister stating that it was "not appropriate" at a time when France is facing a social crisis.
French politician Jean Luc Mélenchon has also criticized both Schiappa's appearance and President Emmanuel Macron's decision to give an interview to children's magazine Pif Gadget. Mélenchon described this as the "problem" in France, where public figures are often seen to be out of touch with reality.
Schiappa responded to her critics by saying that she is defending women's rights to control their bodies and have freedom in France. The French Interior Minister Gérald Darmanin has come to Schiappa's defense, calling her a "woman of character" who has her style but also respects others' opinions.
The controversy surrounding Schiappa's appearance on Playboy magazine highlights the ongoing issues of sexism and hypocrisy in French politics, where some public figures are seen as out of touch with reality and their actions are perceived to be contradictory to their values.
. But I guess when you're in a position of power and pushing for laws that promote women's rights, it's suddenly "not appropriate" 
. And yeah, Elisabeth Borne can't even be bothered to come up with her own insults, just rehashing the tired "out of touch with reality" vibe... classic Prime Minister move 
. I mean, have you seen Pif Gadget? That's some weird stuff 
. Anyway, Schiappa seems like a solid person doing her thing and defending women's rights - can't we all just support each other without being salty about it 
?
Minister Schiappa is just trying to make a point about women's rights, but it's like, totally misinterpreted by everyone else 
. And btw, who cares if she's on the cover of Playboy? It's not like she's trying to sell something 
. Can't we just focus on the fact that she's working hard to create change and make France a better place for everyone? 
Anyway, I think Schiappa handled it pretty cool - she stood up for herself and explained her perspective. 
I gotta say, this is a no-brainer... for Schiappa, her appearance on Playboy covers up the fact that she's actually making waves for women's rights! 
Like, we all get it, she's trying to push that new harassment law, but does she have to do it in a mag with a risqué history? 
she's doin great work on that sexual harassment law & i'm lovin her confidence in showin off on that Playboy cover lol some ppl might think its weird but shes all about spreadin awareness & gettin people talkin about sexism 
i'm all about empowering women, you know? 
and yeah, the fact that she's not afraid to show some skin in a magazine is a total win for feminism. I think people are just mad 'cause they're not used to seeing strong, outspoken women in positions of power... like, what's wrong with being sexy and smart?! 
. But in all seriousness, this controversy does highlight the hypocrisy that exists in French politics - some politicians are more concerned with appearances than actual policy 
.
its like she's embracin the very thing shes tryin to fight against as gender equality minister...and now prime minisster borne is callin out her hypocrisy 
It seems kinda hypocritical to me when people are so quick to judge her. Maybe we should focus on the real issues instead of getting worked up over this?