August M
False claims and online abuse directed at France’s first lady have returned to the spotlight after a court ruling in Paris. The case highlights how long-running conspiracy theories have spilled into criminal convictions.
The decision marks a rare legal turning point in a campaign of harassment that has followed the French presidential couple for years.
Court ruling
According to Reuters, a Paris court on Monday found 10 people guilty of cyber-harassing Brigitte Macron by spreading false claims that she is a transgender woman who was born male.
The eight men and two women were convicted of posting malicious comments about her gender and sexuality. Some compared the 24-year age gap between Brigitte Macron and President Emmanuel Macron to “paedophilia”.
France Info reported that those convicted received sentences of up to eight months, all suspended.
Long-running falsehoods
Brigitte Macron and her husband have repeatedly been targeted by claims alleging she was born under the name Jean-Michel Trogneux, which is in fact the name of her older brother.
The couple were also subjected to criticism and insults linked to their age difference. For years, they largely ignored the attacks but have recently chosen to challenge them through the courts.
Reuters reported that Monday’s ruling comes as the Macrons pursue a separate defamation lawsuit in the United States against right-wing influencer and podcaster Candace Owens, who has also claimed Brigitte Macron was born male.
Speaking out publicly
On Sunday night, Brigitte Macron addressed the issue in an interview with TF1, explaining why she decided to confront online abuse.
She said the attacks felt relentless and described incidents that went beyond insults. “People who broke into my tax website and modified my identity,” she said.
She also criticised her attackers for ignoring official documentation proving her identity.
Setting an example
“A birth certificate is not nothing. It is a father or a mother who goes to declare their child, who says who he is or who she is,” Brigitte Macron said during the interview.
She added that her legal fight was also meant to encourage others facing harassment to speak up. “I want to help adolescents to fight against harassment, and if I do not set an example, it will be difficult,” she said.
Reuters said it was not immediately able to contact Brigitte Macron’s lawyer or lawyers representing those convicted.
Sources: Reuters
