It seems French women really don't wish to work in tandem with their sisters across the pond, as the #MeToo movement is hit with another blow from their corner of the world.
Following the publication of a controversial open letter in Le Monde, in which over 100 prominent French women called #MeToo, among other things, a "witch hunt" against men that may signal the end of ALL FLIRTING (shock! horror!), iconic actress Brigitte Bardot has weighed in with her thoughts.
In an interview with French magazine Paris Match, Brigitte criticized the movement and, by extension, the brave women who make up its ranks.
"The vast majority are being hypocritical and ridiculous," she said.
The 83-year-old screen legend, who admitted she's never encountered sexual harassment herself, lashed out at actresses who "play the tease" for a role and then, in her view, cry wolf with allegations of sexual assault purely "so we will talk about them."
"I found it charming when men told me that I was beautiful or I had a nice little backside," Bardot explained, showcasing a shocking misunderstanding of what many of these women's stories entail (rape, sexual coercion under threat of being fired, etc.).
It's worth noting that Bardot doesn't have a great track record when it comes to showing empathy or understanding for marginalized people. She's been fined for provoking discrimination and racial hatred against the Muslim community in her home country.
The past few months have seen many women within the entertainment industry speak out against the likes of Harvey Weinstein, Brett Ratner, James Toback, and, most recently, James Franco.
Weinstein was the tipping point, unleashing a flood of accusations against high-ranking men in Hollywood. The most recent actress to share her Weinstein horror story was Grey's Anatomy star Ellen Pompeo who detailed, in an op-ed for THR, about how she'd taken a meeting with Weinstein and tried to flirt her way to a part because "it's part of a sordid tradition for aspiring stars."
Both Weinstein and Ratner, who is also accused of propositioning upcoming actresses in exchange for film roles, have denied any wrongdoing. Both men bragged about other high profile stars they'd supposedly slept with. Ratner had a long-standing story about bedding Olivia Munn, which he eventually had to admit was a lie after the X-Men: Apocalypse actress fought back.
Bardot's disappointing comments come after another French actress, Catherine Denevue, distanced herself from the shocking Le Monde letter, apologizing to sexual assault victims following huge backlash against her for taking part.
