France's Social Economy Minister Marlene Schiappa has faced criticism from within her own party after appearing on the cover of Playboy magazine to promote an interview about women's rights. The 12-page spread features Schiappa wearing a white dress and accompanies an article discussing women's and LGBT rights.
Schiappa, who has been a government minister since 2017, was appointed as France's first Gender Equality Minister in 2017. During her tenure, she spearheaded the introduction of a new sexual harassment law that allows on-the-spot fines to be issued to men who catcall or harass women in public.
However, Schiappa's decision to appear on Playboy magazine has drawn criticism from some of her colleagues, including French Prime Minister Elisabeth Borne. Borne reportedly told Schiappa that the cover was "not appropriate," especially during a period when France is facing a social crisis.
French politician Jean-Luc Mélenchon has also criticized Schiappa's appearance on Playboy, tweeting that it highlights the country's deepening problems and lack of opposition. Schiappa responded to her critics by defending women's right to control their bodies and stating that women are free in France.
The controversy surrounding Schiappa's appearance on Playboy has been linked to a broader crisis of trust in French politics, as the country faces widespread public opposition to President Emmanuel Macron's pension reforms.
Schiappa, who has been a government minister since 2017, was appointed as France's first Gender Equality Minister in 2017. During her tenure, she spearheaded the introduction of a new sexual harassment law that allows on-the-spot fines to be issued to men who catcall or harass women in public.
However, Schiappa's decision to appear on Playboy magazine has drawn criticism from some of her colleagues, including French Prime Minister Elisabeth Borne. Borne reportedly told Schiappa that the cover was "not appropriate," especially during a period when France is facing a social crisis.
French politician Jean-Luc Mélenchon has also criticized Schiappa's appearance on Playboy, tweeting that it highlights the country's deepening problems and lack of opposition. Schiappa responded to her critics by defending women's right to control their bodies and stating that women are free in France.
The controversy surrounding Schiappa's appearance on Playboy has been linked to a broader crisis of trust in French politics, as the country faces widespread public opposition to President Emmanuel Macron's pension reforms.
I mean, I get it, feminism is about empowering women, but come on! 
Marlene Schiappa is trying to be a role model for young girls and she shows up in Playboy wearing that outfit? It's just so... confusing. And what's next, gonna show up at the G7 summit in a bikini? 
I get why her colleagues are criticizing her, it just seems like poor judgment on her part. Maybe she should've picked a different magazine to promote those women's rights articles. This whole thing is just making me feel like France is all about appearances and not really doing anything concrete for change... 
. On one hand, promoting women's rights is super important and she's done some great work on that front 
. But showing up on the cover of Playboy magazine just doesn't sit right with me 
. I mean, what's next? Appearing in a sexy mag to push for environmental issues 
? It feels like a publicity stunt to me, but at the same time, I get why she wanted to draw attention to women's rights 
The fact that France is in a social crisis mode right now, I'm not surprised. Politics can be super messy, but sometimes you gotta take a step back and think about what's really important 
.
It just highlights how messy politics can be sometimes. The fact that some of these politicians are criticizing her about this too? That's like rubbing salt in the wound, fam 
... I mean, can you blame her for wanting to promote women's rights and all that jazz 
And what's up with the timing, right? It does seem kinda awkward, especially with France being in this social crisis and all 
... I guess it's like, freedom of speech and all that, but still... is it really necessary for a minister to appear on an adult magazine cover? 
come on! It's just so... tone-deaf. I get that she was trying to make a point about women's rights and all, but couldn't she have done it in a way that didn't involve getting naked for a bunch of magazines? 
. And yeah, maybe appearing on Playboy wasn't the most... strategic choice 
, but c'mon, it's just a magazine article, right? It's not like she's compromising her values or anything 
. I think Schiappa handled it pretty well by speaking up about women's rights and freedom to choose 
. We need more leaders like Schiappa who aren't afraid to speak their minds and take risks 
.
But seriously, I can see why some people might think it was a bad idea, especially with the whole pension reform drama going on in France rn 
. But maybe she could've just gone for a more subtle approach next time? 
it's like, come on guys, get it together already!
anyway back to france and schiappa... i feel kinda bad for her honestly she's trying to promote women's rights and break down barriers but then she gets criticized for wearing a sexy dress on playboy lol like what's the deal? maybe its because french people are just super private about their bodies or something idk but im just curious how much more freedom french women have compared to us 
Some people are saying it's a bad look for her, and the PM didn't sugarcoat it either 
... but on the other hand, she was promoting women's rights and all that jazz 
. I don't blame them, to be honest. It's like, she's trying to promote feminism and equality by being objectified in one of the most objectifying magazines out there? Not exactly the most credible way to make a statement, if you ask me. And to make matters worse, it's happening at a time when France is already facing some major social issues 
.