Cindy Lee
A former stripper who wants to run for the French presidential election was arrested for parading topless in the street to promote transparency.
Cindy Lee, 52, who is the candidate for the Pleasure Party in France, was handing out pamphlets and talking to voters while she was wearing just a pair of hotpants and tassels covering each nipple.
But her desire to shine a light on what she described as corruption in French politics did not go well, as she was arrested by 30 riot police officers who had mistaken her for a radical feminist activist.
Cindy Lee
The potential presidential candidate stripped down and talked to LCI surrounded by her supporters.
She said: ‘We are here to demand transparency when it comes to corruption, and this outfit justifies transparency
‘I advocate the well-being of the individual in society, putting people at the centre of politics.’
Her desire to shine a light on what she described as corruption in French politics did not go well,
Ms Lee was arrested by 30 riot police officers who had mistaken her for a member of feminist movement Femen
As well as talking to the local press, she stopped motorists to hand out her manifesto, which includes pumping money into projects to help residents enjoy a more fulfilled sex life.
Her effort to gain support was cut short just as she was getting into the groove of her campaigning when 30 riot police officers led her away.
They wrongly thought she was associated to the Femen movement, which regularly holds topless protest against the exploitation of women that invariably result in those taking part being detained.
Although Lee is an official candidate of her party, it seems unlikely she will challenge Marine Le Pen, Emmanuel Macron or Francois Fillon for the leadership.
Cindy Lee, leader and presidential candidate for the Parti du Plaisir (Pleasure Party), campaigns back in December 2011. She has vowed to pump money into people’s sex lives if she wins now
In order for a candidate to be considered for the ballot paper, 500 elected French officials need to sponsor them.
So far, a week before the cut-off point, Lee has not managed one.
The former stripper has made a name for herself in the past for similar scantily-clad protests.
The first round of the 2017 French presidential election will be held on April 23.
If no candidate wins a majority, a second vote will be help between the top two prospective presidents on May 7.
