top cx logo
cx logo
Explorearrow down
search icon

Brigitte Macron thanks Brazilians for online support

Brigitte Macron, wife of President Emmanuel Macron, has said thank you to the Brazilian people as apologies trended online, in response to a rude comment by Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro.

In a now-deleted comment, Mr Bolsonaro had appeared to negatively compare the appearance of Mrs Macron, aged 66, with that of his third wife, Michelle, aged 37.

Following a backlash, many Brazilians took to social media to apologise for their president’s comment, causing the hashtags #PardonBrigitte and #DisculpaBrigitte (sorry Brigitte) to trend online.

In response, Mrs Macron said “Muito obrigada! (Thank you very much!)” during a visit this week to Azincourt (Pas-de-Calais).

Mrs Macron added: “A very, very big thank you to all those who got involved. Times are changing. There are some who are still changing.

“Women are there with you, nearly all of you men know this now. Not everyone. Some are still on the platform [but] I am sure it will not be long before they get on the train. Things change. Everyone must take note. There are things that you can no longer say and things that you can no longer do.”

Earlier this week, Mr Macron himself had called the comments “extraordinarily rude”, and well-known Brazilian author Paulo Coelho also published a video, in French, apologising to Mrs Macron.

Tensions between the two countries and leaders have been high after Mr Macron called the fires in the Amazon rainforest “an international crisis”, and pledged to discuss them at last weekend’s G7 summit in Biarritz.

Mr Bolsonaro condemned the approach as “colonialist”, and the Brazilian government publicly rejected the $20 million (€18 million) that the G7 had released to help combat the fires.

After an outcry, Brazil later said it was in fact “open” to the money.

Stay informed:
Sign up to our free weekly e-newsletter
Subscribe to access all our online articles and receive our printed monthly newspaper The Connexion at your home. News analysis, features and practical help for English-speakers in France

Resident or second-home owner in France?
Benefit from our daily digest of headlines and how-to's to help you make the most of life in France
By joining the newsletter, you agree to our Terms & Conditions and Privacy Policy
See more popular articles
The Connexion Help Guides
featured helpguide
Healthcare in France*
Featured Help Guide
- Understand the French healthcare system, how you access it and how you are reimbursed - Useful if you are new to the French healthcare system or want a more in-depth understanding - Reader question and answer section Aimed at non-French nationals living here, the guide gives an overview of what you are (and are not) covered for. There is also information for second-home owners and regular visitors.
Get news, views and information from France