A French magazine has come under fire after describing former president Nicolas Sarkozy’s 13-year-old daughter as “more woman than ever”.
Giulia Sarkozy, who posted a series of videos online in which she lip-synced to provocative rap songs, was featured in an edition of Madame Figaro.
The magazine used photos of Giulia and reported ‘we discover a teenager who is more woman than ever’, sparking outrage from people who branded it ‘shocking’ and said ‘she’s just a girl’.
Referring to the teen’s TikTok videos, Madame Figaro wrote: “Giulia films herself looking at the camera, wearing a black tank top, with straight hair, cheekbones and eyes subtly made up.”
While it stated she was 13 years old, it also referred to her “model looks” and said these are “a clear nod to the legacy of her mother, a runway icon in the 1990s.”
Former French President Nicolas Sarkozy pictured with his daughter Giulia Sarkozy (left) – she was featured in an edition of Madame Figaro
In response to the complaints, Madame Figaro removed the online reference to Giulia as ‘more woman than ever’, but otherwise stuck to the reporting
Nicolas Sarkozy and wife Carla Sarkozy walk with newborn Giulia in 2011
Giulia’s mother Carla Bruni, who turns 57 this month, was a model and fashion star before becoming first lady of France when she married Nicolas Sarkozy in 2008.
Madame Figaro referenced comments about the teenager in their article, including “you are sublime” and “be a model.”
But the piece sparked criticism from those who believe Giulia is too young to become a celebrity despite her famous parents.
Nathalie Loiseau, France’s former minister for European affairs and now a member of the European Parliament, wrote on X: ‘Mrs Figaro, you are talking about a 13-year-old child.
“This vocabulary is inappropriate. I would even say it is irresponsible. Think before you publish such sentences.’
Erwan Le Morhedec, a Parisian lawyer, also shared his concerns, saying “she is a little girl.”
Hugo Baup, a psychiatrist in France, also condemned the magazine’s choice of words, saying it was “shameful” to present Giulia as “more woman than ever.”
In response to the complaints, Madame Figaro removed the online reference to Giulia as ‘more woman than ever’, but otherwise stuck to the reporting.
In one of the videos Giulia posted, she can be seen participating in Zoum Zoum, a song about rappers who persuade young girls to get into their limousines.
Nicolas Sarkozy was president of France and co-prince of Andorra from 2007 to 2012.
When Giulia was born in October 2011, her mother, Ms. Bruni, posted images of her on her social media accounts with an emoji over her face to protect her identity.
But that anonymity has now come to an end and Giulia’s parents have given her permission to promote her own hobbies, The Telegraph reports.