A French actress stripped completely nude on stage during a live broadcast of the “French Oscars” to protest Covid-19 lockdowns, particularly of cinemas.
Corinne Masiero protested naked at the César Awards on Friday. The stunt was bewildering to some but many applauded loudly at the messaging, translated from French to read, “Give us back art, Jean” on her back and “No culture, no future” on her torso. According to Sky News:
Masiero appeared at the Cesar Awards – the French equivalent of the Oscars – to announce the winner of the best costume design category. She first appeared dressed in a bloodied donkey costume, a reference to a French fairytale, before stripping naked.
Her body bore the words “no culture, no future”. Ms Masiero also had the words “rend nous l’art Jean” written on her back. This translates to “give us back art, Jean”, a message directed at Prime Minister Jean Castex.
Actors, musicians and artists are angry that the French government is unwilling to set a date for the reopening of museums, galleries, concert halls and cinemas. Marina Fois, a comedian, was hosting the awards ceremony.
While the vast majority of American actors in Hollywood have expressed support for lockdowns and face masks even as they declare frustration, entertainers in other nations have been more vocal about opening up their countries. Meanwhile, there is a very sharp divide among American citizens regarding lockdowns and other Covid-19 protocols with the political left generally favoring them and the political right seeking more freedoms or the complete elimination of lockdowns.
