Greenpeace Activists Steal Macron Wax Figure from Paris Museum
A wax statue of French President Emmanuel Macron was stolen from the Grevin Museum in Paris by individuals identifying themselves as Greenpeace activists. The incident occurred as part of a protest against France’s trade relations with Russia amid ongoing geopolitical tensions.
Details of the Theft
According to police reports, two women and a man entered the museum posing as tourists. They covered the wax figure with a blanket and exited through an emergency door undetected. Shortly after, a man claiming to be a Greenpeace member contacted the museum to admit responsibility for the theft.
Protest Action and Greenpeace Statement
The activists later staged a demonstration outside the Russian Embassy in Paris, featuring the stolen wax figure alongside placards, a Russian flag, and mock warning signs. Greenpeace France’s Director General, Jean-François Julliard, criticized President Macron for what he described as a "double game." Julliard accused Macron of publicly supporting Ukraine while allowing French companies to maintain imports of gas and fertilizer from Russia.
He emphasized that as the French president, Macron bears significant responsibility in shaping Europe’s stance and should lead efforts to halt trade agreements with Russia amid the ongoing conflict.
Background on the Macron Wax Figure
The statue, unveiled in 2018 at the Grevin Museum, cost approximately £35,000 but quickly became a subject of ridicule. Even museum staff acknowledged the figure's poor resemblance to President Macron. The museum's director explained that Macron declined to undergo a facial scan, which forced sculptors to rely solely on photographs, resulting in a likeness that many described as awkward or artificial.
The figure has been compared to a puppet or a doll, and its notably expressionless and stiff appearance drew widespread criticism on social media.
Grevin Museum Context
The Grevin Museum, often compared to London’s Madame Tussauds, is a popular tourist attraction housing wax representations of prominent global personalities. It draws hundreds of thousands of visitors annually and is known for its detailed and realistic figures.