Paris: Greenpeace Activists Steal Emmanuel Macron’s Wax Statue from Musée Grévin and Place It Outside the Russian Embassy

On Monday, June 2, 2025, the wax statue of French President Emmanuel Macron was stolen from the Musée Grévin in Paris by activists claiming to belong to Greenpeace. A few hours later, the sculpture was placed outside the Russian Embassy, in the city’s 16th arrondissement, as part of a protest against France’s continued economic ties with Russia amid the war in Ukraine.

A Carefully Orchestrated Operation

According to initial reports, three individuals — two women and one man — entered the museum in the 9th arrondissement posing as tourists. Once inside, they changed into outfits resembling those of museum staff or contractors, then successfully removed the unbolted statue, valued at €40,000. Hidden under a blanket, the figure was smuggled out through a service exit.

The theft was confirmed by the museum’s management, which immediately alerted the police. An investigation has been opened for theft, handled by the 9th arrondissement police station, according to the Paris public prosecutor’s office.

A Political Message Behind the Act

Shortly after the theft, a man identifying himself as a Greenpeace activist contacted the museum to claim responsibility. Soon afterward, a group of demonstrators gathered outside the Russian Embassy, holding protest signs, fake road signs, a Russian flag — and Macron’s wax figure, displayed as a symbol of what they called France’s “double game” with Russia.

“France is playing a double game,” said Jean-François Julliard, Executive Director of Greenpeace France. “Emmanuel Macron embodies this double discourse: he claims to support Ukraine, but at the same time encourages French companies to maintain commercial ties with Russia — especially in gas and fertilizers.”

The activists are calling for an end to contracts between French businesses and Russian entities and urging President Macron to lead a shift in European Union policy toward Moscow.