Gard T‑shirt controversy sparks investigation

During the fête votive in Gallician, a hamlet of Vauvert in the Gard department on July 23‑24, participants wore orange T‑shirts bearing the slogan “Une femme, c’est un peu comme une prise jack… Si tu l’enfonces correctement, t’as le son qui va avec.” The message was widely shared on social media, prompting accusations of sexism and calls for action.

The prosecutor’s office in Nîmes opened a criminal investigation for public insults on the basis of sex, assigning the case to the gendarmerie of Vauvert. The mayor of Vauvert said he did not endorse the slogan, describing it as a “blague potache,” and noted the shirts had been produced by youths from a neighboring commune. If convicted, the alleged offenders could face up to one year in prison and a fine of €45,000. The incident has reignited debate over the limits of humor in popular celebrations and the role of public authorities in addressing gender‑based harassment.

The anti‑discrimination group Printemps de l’Éducation contre les discriminations et le racisme condemned the shirt, arguing it could normalize violence against women.