Christophe Bruschi, the lawyer for one of the defendants, faced backlash after his client received a three-year prison sentence, with two years suspended, the lightest penalty in the trial.

Following the verdict, Bruschi made provocative remarks to a crowd of feminists, stating, 'My client has a message for you: screw you! But with a smile,' which sparked outrage.

His comments drew significant backlash on social media, with accusations of misogyny and calls for disciplinary measures from politicians and feminist organizations.

The Mazan rape trial, which lasted four months, has become a significant symbol of violence against women in France, resulting in guilty verdicts for all defendants, with sentences ranging from three to twenty years.

Among the defendants was Dominique Pelicot, who received the harshest sentence for drugging his wife, Gisèle Pelicot, over a decade and facilitating her abuse by other men.

Bruschi later justified his remarks, claiming they were a response to provocations faced by the accused throughout the trial.

He referred to feminists as 'hysterics' and 'mal embouchés' (ill-tempered), further fueling criticism against him.

Despite the backlash, Bruschi clarified that he was not against feminists but criticized those he accused of seeking attention and spreading hatred.

Bruschi, a member of the Lyon Bar since 1994, specializes in criminal law and previously defended a politician convicted of antisemitism.

In response to the controversy, the Lyon Bar Association announced it has opened a professional ethics investigation into Bruschi's remarks.

The Bar emphasized that all lawyers are subject to ethical rules, overseen by the Bâtonnier, following complaints regarding Bruschi's comments.

Bruschi argued that his clients were 'victims' of Pelicot's influence, claiming they believed they were participating in consensual libertine activities.