Man Jogging in Paris Upscale Neighborhood Spits on Moroccan Woman Wearing Hijab

Moroccan Influencer's Accusation
Terror Despite Awareness of Filming
"Acted as if It Was a Usual Thing... Shocking"

A local man in Paris, France, caused controversy after spitting on a Muslim woman wearing a hijab as he passed by.

Fatima Saidi (left), who reported a 'spit attack' on the streets of Paris, and a man who spat while jogging (right) [Image source: Instagram capture]

On the 21st (local time), Moroccan influencer Fatima Saidi reported on her TikTok account that she experienced racial discrimination during a recent visit to Paris, France. Saidi said that on the 17th, she stopped briefly on the sidewalk near the Eiffel Tower in the affluent 7th arrondissement of Paris with a friend to check a map on her phone. During that time, a middle-aged man jogging spat on her hijab.

Saidi said, "At first, I didn't understand the situation and couldn't believe it," adding, "My friend said it was normal and something she was used to, but what does 'normal' even mean?" She filmed the incident and confronted the man who spat on her, saying, "Try spitting again." Despite being aware that he was being recorded, the man made an obscene gesture with his fingers and spat toward the camera again.

A man jogging in France is seen spitting and making obscene gestures with his fingers at Moroccan influencer Fatima Saidi as he passes by. [Image source=TikTok capture]

Saidi criticized the man's behavior as not only Islamophobic but also an attack on women. She stated, "Spitting on someone who could be his granddaughter wearing this kind of clothing (hijab) is an act of racism and Islamophobia, as well as misogyny," and added, "He would never behave the same way toward a man." She continued, "I consider myself lucky to at least be able to raise my voice through social media," emphasizing, "I hope the man who spat receives education." Saidi filed a complaint against the man with the Paris police.

After the incident became known, the Paris city government condemned the act, stating, "We denounce this behavior, which signifies an attack on Islam and women," and added, "This goes against the spirit of tolerance and openness that defines Paris."