The “Miss France” election will take place on December 11th. For the 101st time, the most beautiful woman in France will be chosen. Before that, however, the show’s producers are faced with a lawsuit. Three unsuccessful candidates and one feminist group claim the Miss France organizers are breaking the law. As a reason they give: For the election, the candidates would be selected according to their appearance.
The association Osez le Féminisme (“Dare to be a feminist”) announced that it would sue the production company Endemol. The contestants are subject to French labor law as they work as candidates on the show, it is alleged. Therefore, they would have the right to be protected against prejudice.
“Backward, sexist competition”
A spokeswoman for the association told the magazine “Insider”: “We have been protesting loudly against this backward and sexist competition for years. Beauty contests weaken the image and position of women in society and objectify candidates in order to satisfy the male imagination. “
With their action they had two goals: to initiate a public debate about sexism in the industry and to protest against the exploitation of women, “without whom this business would not work.”
Candidates are not allowed to have children
Endemol is also accused of exploiting women who “appear in a sexist, discriminatory and lucrative show that generates millions in sales every year. Everything in complete contradiction to the current law. ”
Specifically, the lawsuit is directed against the guidelines for participation in the show on December 11th, as reported by France24. The registration form saysThose who want to take part must be “at least 1.70 meters tall without heels, have no visible tattoos, have never been married and have no children”.
Endemol and Miss France Organization are silent
The lawyer who represents feminists tells the broadcaster that employers are prohibited from discriminating against workers on the basis of “morals, age, family status or appearance”.
Before the case goes to court, it must first be clarified whether the participants in the beauty contest are subject to French labor law.
Endemol and the Miss France organization have not yet issued a statement. (vof)