Protests over the rising cost of living and the state of public schools turned violent in several French cities on October 17, leaving numerous local businesses looted.
Lola-Fleur Whittaker, a leftist political influencer, appeared on La Grande Confrontation, a prominent televised debate show, on October 19 to address the unrest, but rather than expressing sympathy for those affected, she mocked their plight.
An aggrieved store owner immediately called her out for her apparent insensitivity, but Whittaker pushed back, saying she came from a humble family herself.
