French First Lady Brigitte Macron's Cyberbullying Trial Underway, Daughter Testifies
Ten defendants are on trial in Paris for cyberbullying Brigitte Macron with false claims. Her daughter testified about the severe impact, while defendants argue free speech, facing potential two-year prison sentences.
Overview
- Ten defendants are currently on trial in Paris for allegedly cyberbullying French First Lady Brigitte Macron with malicious online comments and false claims.
- The charges stem from widely circulated conspiracy theories, including allegations that Brigitte Macron is transgender, amplified by far-right groups since 2017.
- Brigitte Macron's daughter provided testimony detailing the significant negative impact and damage to her mother's quality of life caused by the persistent cyberbullying.
- Defendants argued that the charges infringe upon their freedom of speech, with some claiming their controversial online comments were intended as humor or satire.
- The trial is expected to last two days, and if convicted, the individuals could face substantial penalties, including up to two years in prison for their actions.
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Analysis
Center-leaning sources frame this story by consistently discrediting the claims against Brigitte Macron as "fake news" and "baseless rumors." They emphasize the severe personal and legal harm caused, highlighting the prosecution's stance and the impact on Macron and her family. The coverage prioritizes the legal consequences for those spreading the allegations, portraying them as instigators of harmful misinformation.
"Brigitte Macron's daughter has told a court in Paris that sexist cyber-bullying negatively affected her mother's health and living conditions."
BBC News"The trial follows an investigation by France’s Brigade for the Repression of Offenses against the Person (BRDP), following an official complaint by Brigitte Macron in August 2024."
Deadline"The unsubstantiated claims over Mrs Macron's gender have been gaining ground in the US, mostly promoted by right-wing influencer Candace Owens."
BBC News"Ten people will go on trial on Monday over cyberbullying of Brigitte Macron after they allegedly made “malicious” comments online spreading claims that President Emmanuel Macron 's wife is a man."
ABC News"Ten people will go on trial on Monday over cyberbullying of Brigitte Macron after they allegedly made “malicious” comments online spreading claims that President Emmanuel Macron ‘s wife is a man."
Associated PressArticles (9)
FAQ
The false claims centered on the conspiracy theory that Brigitte Macron was assigned male at birth and was once a man named Jean-Michel Trogneux; these allegations have been repeatedly amplified online, especially by far-right groups since at least 2017.
French prosecutors have requested suspended prison terms ranging from three to twelve months and fines of up to €8,000 (about $9,300) for the ten defendants, with the harshest penalties sought for three individuals identified as the main instigators.
The constant harassment has reportedly caused a deterioration in Brigitte Macron's health and well-being, with her daughter testifying that she is always conscious of her appearance due to fear of further online distortion. The rumors have also deeply affected her grandchildren, who have been told falsehoods about their grandmother's identity.
President Emmanuel Macron and his wife filed a defamation lawsuit in the United States at the end of July 2025 regarding the false gender claims, and Brigitte Macron filed a complaint in France in August 2024 that led to the current investigation and arrests of the defendants.
The defendants argue that the charges infringe on their freedom of speech, with some claiming their statements were intended as humor or satire rather than harassment.
History
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