French Minister Under Fire for Playboy Cover, Amid Country's Social Crisis.
Marlene Schiappa, the French government minister responsible for social economy and women's rights, found herself at the center of controversy after appearing on the front cover of Playboy magazine. The photo shoot accompanied a 12-page interview with Schiappa discussing her views on women's and LGBT rights.
Schiappa has been a long-time advocate for women's rights, having spearheaded France's first-ever Gender Equality Minister role in 2017. She successfully introduced a new sexual harassment law allowing on-the-spot fines to be issued to men who catcall, harass or follow women on the street.
Despite her credentials, Schiappa's appearance on Playboy has drawn criticism from some of her own party members, including French Prime Minister Elisabeth Borne. The premier called the cover "not appropriate," particularly during a time when France is grappling with a social crisis triggered by President Emmanuel Macron's push for pension reforms against widespread public opposition.
French politician Jean Luc Mélenchon criticized Schiappa's appearance and the decision to have an interview with children's magazine Pif Gadget, calling it a "country in chaos." French Interior Minister Gérald Darmanin came to Schiappa's defense, describing her as a "woman of character."
Schiappa responded to criticism by saying she was defending women's right to control their bodies.
Marlene Schiappa, the French government minister responsible for social economy and women's rights, found herself at the center of controversy after appearing on the front cover of Playboy magazine. The photo shoot accompanied a 12-page interview with Schiappa discussing her views on women's and LGBT rights.
Schiappa has been a long-time advocate for women's rights, having spearheaded France's first-ever Gender Equality Minister role in 2017. She successfully introduced a new sexual harassment law allowing on-the-spot fines to be issued to men who catcall, harass or follow women on the street.
Despite her credentials, Schiappa's appearance on Playboy has drawn criticism from some of her own party members, including French Prime Minister Elisabeth Borne. The premier called the cover "not appropriate," particularly during a time when France is grappling with a social crisis triggered by President Emmanuel Macron's push for pension reforms against widespread public opposition.
French politician Jean Luc Mélenchon criticized Schiappa's appearance and the decision to have an interview with children's magazine Pif Gadget, calling it a "country in chaos." French Interior Minister Gérald Darmanin came to Schiappa's defense, describing her as a "woman of character."
Schiappa responded to criticism by saying she was defending women's right to control their bodies.
I don't get why politicians can't be human beings too 
. Marlene Schiappa is doing amazing work for women's rights and now this? It's like, if a man did the same thing, he'd be under scrutiny too... 
The fact that some of her party members are criticizing her is crazy - they should be supporting her more 
. And honestly, I think the whole thing with Pif Gadget is just a distraction from the real issues France is facing right now 
. Schiappa's message about women's rights and body control is super important and it's unfortunate that some people are missing the point 
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Marlene Schiappa is literally getting roasted for a photo shoot in Playboy magazine and its all because people are too scared to talk about sex lololol but seriously whats the big deal? She's a woman who's been fighting for women's rights and now she gets criticized for taking a risk? 
it makes me so frustrated!
And honestly, who cares about a magazine cover? It's just a photo, right? The real question is why some of these politicians are so quick to criticize someone who's actually making a difference.
she's literally been fighting for women's rights and now this happens? i think it's pretty messed up that ppl r calling her out for expressing herself 
the whole "country in chaos" thing from jean luc mélenchon sounds like just an excuse to be extra 
i mean, schiapppa has done so much for women's rights already and this is how she gets thanked? 
. I get why some folks are upset, especially with the timing - France is dealing with a lot going on right now, but come on, can't we just enjoy a celeb's photo shoot without making a mountain out of a molehill? 
. I'm rooting for her all the way 
But overall, I'm kinda split on this whole thing... like, can't we just agree to disagree? 
. And I gotta respect her for standing up for that, even if it means going against some of her own party members 
!
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can't they see what's more important - equality or being a hypocrite? I mean, it's not like she was trying to seduce anyone with that cover... she was just having fun. And btw, who says the PM and other politicians get a free pass when it comes to sexism? 
And to be fair, some of the criticism is justified, especially with France being in such a social crisis right now. But at the same time, I think it's kinda unfair to crucify her over one photo shoot when she's done so much good work on those exact issues. 
. But seriously, it's a bit weird that some of her own party members are attacking her for being a woman who knows how to use her body and defend herself (and others). Like, what's next? Are they going to tell her she can't wear heels to work too? 