French comedian Ary Abittan returned to the stage Saturday at the Folies Bergères in Paris,marking his first performance in three years following a highly publicized legal battle. Though acquitted on appeal in January of rape allegations first made in 2021, his comeback was met with visible protest and also support from prominent figures including First Lady Brigitte Macron and her daughter [[3]]. The event underscores a continuing national conversation regarding accountability,justice,and public forgiveness in cases of serious accusations.
Comedian Ary Abittan returned to the stage Saturday, December 7th, at the Folies Bergères in Paris, receiving support from France’s First Lady Brigitte Macron and her daughter, Tiphaine Auzière, amidst a controversial homecoming.
The return to performing follows a tumultuous period for Ary Abittan. His first show in three years at the iconic Folies Bergères was briefly disrupted by feminist activists from the collective “Nous Toutes,” who chanted “Abittan, violator” during the performance, prompting the comedian to retreat to his dressing room.
Abittan was formally investigated for “rape” in 2021. However, the case was dismissed in April 2024, a decision later confirmed on appeal in January 2025. Despite the dismissal, the collective Nous Toutes maintains, “A non-lieu is not an acquittal, it’s just the end of the prosecution,” and continues to protest what they see as his premature reintegration into public life.
A Show of Support
Abittan’s return to the Folies Bergères on Sunday was met with visible support from high-profile figures. First Lady Brigitte Macron and her daughter, Tiphaine Auzière, were photographed smiling and interacting with the comedian and filmmaker Claude Lelouch following the performance. The show also drew former Prime Minister Manuel Valls.
The presence of such prominent figures underscores the complex public reaction to Abittan’s return, as the case continues to spark debate about accountability and the boundaries of forgiveness in the entertainment industry.
