Sexism: Minister Sapin admits ”inappropriate” act

French Finance Minister Michel Sapin has apologised for “inappropriate behaviour” towards a journalist but has denied harassing her, amid a sexism row that has engulfed French politics. He has rejected claims that he twanged the elastic on the woman’s underwear at a conference but admits remarking on her clothing and touching her back. The political […]

French Finance Minister Michel Sapin has apologised for “inappropriate behaviour” towards a journalist but has denied harassing her, amid a sexism row that has engulfed French politics.
He has rejected claims that he twanged the elastic on the woman’s underwear at a conference but admits remarking on her clothing and touching her back.
The political sexism scandal has already prompted one resignation.
Deputy parliament speaker Denis Baupin has himself denied several allegations.
Prosecutors launched an inquiry after eight of Mr Baupin’s former Green Party colleagues said they were subjected to either sexual assault or lewd text messages. The former deputy speaker is suing for defamation.
But the revelations have touched a chord in France, and some 12,000 have signed a petition calling for the mafia-like silence on the issue of sexual violence to be lifted, under the slogan “Levons l’omerta”.