France is abuzz with controversy after French government minister Marlene Schiappa appeared on the front cover of Playboy magazine, sparking heated criticism from members of her own party.
Schiappa, who has been a driving force behind women's and LGBT rights in France since 2017, was photographed for the cover wearing a white dress. The 12-page interview accompanying the feature saw her discuss her views on the importance of women's empowerment and equality.
However, not everyone is pleased with Schiappa's appearance in Playboy. French Prime Minister Elisabeth Borne has publicly expressed disapproval, calling it "not suitable" during this period, according to a source close to the prime minister.
The controversy comes as France is grappling with a social and economic crisis sparked by President Emmanuel Macron's push for pension reforms that have sparked widespread public opposition. The issue is further complicated by criticisms of Macron himself, who has been accused of being out of touch with the public.
Schiappa, who has long advocated for women's rights, was appointed as France's first ever Gender Equality Minister in 2017 and spearheaded a new law allowing on-the-spot fines to be issued to men who catcall or harass women on the street. Her appearance in Playboy has drawn criticism from some of her fellow politicians, including Green Party politician Sandrine Rousseau, who accused Schiappa of being "behind a smoke screen" in addressing the country's social crisis.
Meanwhile, Jean Luc Mélenchon, a French politician who came third in the 2022 presidential elections, has also weighed in on the controversy. He criticized both Schiappa's appearance and President Macron's decision to give an interview to children's magazine Pif Gadget, calling it "a country that is going off the rails."
However, not everyone shares Mélenchon's views. French Interior Minister Gerald Darmanin came to Schiappa's defense on Sunday, praising her as a "courageous female politician" with a unique style.
Schiappa has responded to criticism by saying she will continue to defend women's rights and empowerment, calling herself and others "hypocrites" who are trying to undermine her efforts.
Schiappa, who has been a driving force behind women's and LGBT rights in France since 2017, was photographed for the cover wearing a white dress. The 12-page interview accompanying the feature saw her discuss her views on the importance of women's empowerment and equality.
However, not everyone is pleased with Schiappa's appearance in Playboy. French Prime Minister Elisabeth Borne has publicly expressed disapproval, calling it "not suitable" during this period, according to a source close to the prime minister.
The controversy comes as France is grappling with a social and economic crisis sparked by President Emmanuel Macron's push for pension reforms that have sparked widespread public opposition. The issue is further complicated by criticisms of Macron himself, who has been accused of being out of touch with the public.
Schiappa, who has long advocated for women's rights, was appointed as France's first ever Gender Equality Minister in 2017 and spearheaded a new law allowing on-the-spot fines to be issued to men who catcall or harass women on the street. Her appearance in Playboy has drawn criticism from some of her fellow politicians, including Green Party politician Sandrine Rousseau, who accused Schiappa of being "behind a smoke screen" in addressing the country's social crisis.
Meanwhile, Jean Luc Mélenchon, a French politician who came third in the 2022 presidential elections, has also weighed in on the controversy. He criticized both Schiappa's appearance and President Macron's decision to give an interview to children's magazine Pif Gadget, calling it "a country that is going off the rails."
However, not everyone shares Mélenchon's views. French Interior Minister Gerald Darmanin came to Schiappa's defense on Sunday, praising her as a "courageous female politician" with a unique style.
Schiappa has responded to criticism by saying she will continue to defend women's rights and empowerment, calling herself and others "hypocrites" who are trying to undermine her efforts.
She's been doing so much good work for women's rights and equality, and then this happens... it's like, what's next? 
I feel for her, you know? She's just trying to make a difference, but the criticism is getting really harsh 
. And it's not just the criticism from her own party - it's like, she's being torn apart by people who are supposed to support her 
. It's so unfair 
. Can't we just focus on supporting women who are making a positive impact instead of tearing them down? 
this schiappa lady is like a total hero for women's rights and then she goes and gets photobombed by the playboy thing... i get it, she's human and all but come on marlene 
french prime minister elisabeth borne needs to chill out tho, can't she just let her have one moment of fun? 
anyway i feel bad for schiappa because she's trying to make a difference in france and this is the kind of stuff that comes with it... still gotta give props to french interior minister darmanin for defending her tho 
? it just feels like she's using it as a way to show that even powerful ppl can be human and have fun, you know? 
i mean, i get why some ppl would be uncomfortable with it, but c'mon... this is about empowerment and women's rights, not about schiappa being sexy or whatever 
.
. And honestly, who are these politicians trying to bring her down? 
Gerald Darmanin is like, totally defending her and I am HERE. FOR. IT 
. Schiappa's not backing down from this controversy and that's what makes me love her even more 
. Let's give it up for a strong, fierce female leader who won't apologize for being herself 
!
marlene schiappa's got more guts in one finger than most ppl have in a lifetime, she's been fighting for women's rights and equality since 2017 and now she gets roasted for posing for Playboy 
& btw, schiappa doesn't seem to be buying into all this drama, good on her for staying focused on what matters 
The pension reforms are where it's at, and Schiappa should be using her platform to talk about that, not posing for Playboy. 
. But honestly, it's like a big mess – everyone's taking shots at each other while the country is dealing with real issues like pension reforms. Can't they just chill for one sec? 
12 pages interview all about women's empowerment and equality... yeah right 
i cant believe people are mad at her for being a strong woman and speaking her mind, especially when she's talking about feminism and equality. like, cant they see how empowering it is for women to have role models like her in positions of power? 
anyway, i love marlene schiappa and im all about supporting women's rights, so bring on the criticism, im ready for it 