French Minister under fire for Playboy magazine cover
Marlene Schiappa, France's Minister for the Social Economy and French Associations, has sparked controversy after appearing on the front cover of Playboy magazine to promote a 12-page interview on women's rights. The 45-year-old politician, who has been in office since 2017, was photographed wearing a white dress.
Schiappa has been a vocal advocate for women's rights, having spearheaded France's first-ever Gender Equality Ministry in 2017. She successfully pushed for the introduction of a new law allowing on-the-spot fines to be issued to men who catcall, harass or follow women on the street. Her efforts have earned her praise from human rights organizations and feminist groups.
However, Schiappa's decision to appear on the cover of Playboy magazine has drawn criticism from some of her own party members, including French Prime Minister Elisabeth Borne. Borne reportedly expressed concerns about the image, saying it was "not appropriate, especially during this period."
French politician Jean Luc Mélenchon, who came third in the 2022 presidential elections, also criticized Schiappa's appearance and President Emmanuel Macron's decision to give an interview to children's magazine Pif Gadget. Mélenchon tweeted that France is "going off the rails" with such decisions.
Despite the backlash, Schiappa has responded to her critics, saying she will continue to defend women's rights and freedoms. In a tweet, she stated that defending women's control over their bodies is "everywhere and all the time." French Interior Minister Gérald Darmanin has also come to Schiappa's defense, calling her a "woman of character."
The controversy surrounding Schiappa's appearance on Playboy magazine highlights the ongoing debate about sexism and misogyny in politics. As France navigates a social crisis triggered by Macron's push for pension reforms, Schiappa's decision to use her platform to promote women's rights has sparked both praise and criticism.
Marlene Schiappa, France's Minister for the Social Economy and French Associations, has sparked controversy after appearing on the front cover of Playboy magazine to promote a 12-page interview on women's rights. The 45-year-old politician, who has been in office since 2017, was photographed wearing a white dress.
Schiappa has been a vocal advocate for women's rights, having spearheaded France's first-ever Gender Equality Ministry in 2017. She successfully pushed for the introduction of a new law allowing on-the-spot fines to be issued to men who catcall, harass or follow women on the street. Her efforts have earned her praise from human rights organizations and feminist groups.
However, Schiappa's decision to appear on the cover of Playboy magazine has drawn criticism from some of her own party members, including French Prime Minister Elisabeth Borne. Borne reportedly expressed concerns about the image, saying it was "not appropriate, especially during this period."
French politician Jean Luc Mélenchon, who came third in the 2022 presidential elections, also criticized Schiappa's appearance and President Emmanuel Macron's decision to give an interview to children's magazine Pif Gadget. Mélenchon tweeted that France is "going off the rails" with such decisions.
Despite the backlash, Schiappa has responded to her critics, saying she will continue to defend women's rights and freedoms. In a tweet, she stated that defending women's control over their bodies is "everywhere and all the time." French Interior Minister Gérald Darmanin has also come to Schiappa's defense, calling her a "woman of character."
The controversy surrounding Schiappa's appearance on Playboy magazine highlights the ongoing debate about sexism and misogyny in politics. As France navigates a social crisis triggered by Macron's push for pension reforms, Schiappa's decision to use her platform to promote women's rights has sparked both praise and criticism.
... Minister Schiappa is literally fighting for women's rights and then she gets a spread in Playboy? I mean, come on, isn't that kinda like rubbing it in her own face? 
On one hand, I get why she'd want to use the platform to promote women's rights, but on the other hand...I don't know, man. It just seems like a weird PR move 
. And honestly, can't she just keep her politics out of the bedroom? 
i mean, who wouldn't want to see a strong, powerful woman on the cover of a major mag? 
it's all about perspective, right? some ppl might say she's compromising her values or being objectified, but imo, shes using the power 2 amplify women's voices and push for change 
what do u guys think tho?
, can't these politicians just keep their personal lives separate from their politics? I mean, I get it, promoting women's rights is important, but does she have to do it on the cover of a dodgy adult magazine? 
The fact that it's sparked controversy within her own party and from other politicians like Élisabeth Borne just shows how far she's gone. And what with Macron's pension reforms causing a social crisis, I'm not sure this is exactly the right time for Schiappa to be promoting her own brand of feminism. 
It feels like more like self-promotion than a genuine effort to make a difference. Can't she just stick to the policy briefs and leave the glamour shots to someone else? 
. I mean, Marlene Schiappa is already getting hate from some in her own party just 'cause she showed up looking pretty 
. It's all about finding that delicate balance between speaking truth to power and not looking like a total sellout 
.
. But they gotta do it with some finesse 
. Maybe next time, she'll choose a less... provocative cover shot 
cant wait 2 c what she does next! 
btw, who else is lowkey salty that schiappa went from being a respected womens rite activist 2 bein on playboy cover tho? 
. The whole thing is just so extra 
. I'm low-key impressed by Gérald Darmanin defending her tho 
like what does it even have 2 do w/ womn's rghts ?? 
and btw, 12-page interview on women's rights? Sounds like a solid plan to me 