A Paris court has found 10 individuals guilty of cyberbullying France’s First Lady, Brigitte Macron. The defendants spread false and malicious claims online, including conspiracy theories about her gender and sexuality, and falsely linked her age difference with President Emmanuel Macron to pedophilia. The court emphasized the cumulative harmful effects of these repeated publications.
The Verdict and Sentences
A Paris court delivered its verdict on Monday, convicting ten individuals, comprising eight men and two women aged between 41 and 65, for their involvement in the online harassment campaign against Brigitte Macron. The court described the comments as “particularly degrading, insulting, and malicious.”
One defendant received a six-month prison sentence, which under French law may be served at home. Eight others were handed suspended sentences ranging from four to eight months. All ten defendants were mandated to attend cyberbullying awareness training. Additionally, some individuals will face a temporary suspension of their social media accounts.
The Allegations
The defendants were accused of spreading false claims about Brigitte Macron’s gender and sexuality. A prominent conspiracy theory falsely alleged that she was born a man under the name Jean-Michel Trogneux, which is actually the name of her brother. Some posts also falsely suggested pedophilia due to the 24-year age gap between Brigitte and Emmanuel Macron. These comments were viewed tens of thousands of times.
Brigitte Macron’s Stance
Brigitte Macron, who did not attend the trial, stated in a television interview that she initiated legal proceedings to “set an example” in the fight against harassment. Her lawyer noted the importance of the cyberbullying awareness training and potential social media bans for some defendants. Her daughter, Tiphaine Auzière, testified about the significant negative impact the online harassment has had on her mother and the entire family, including the grandchildren.
Broader Context and International Cases
Some defendants claimed their comments were intended as humor or satire and expressed confusion over the prosecution. The case is part of a broader effort by the Macrons to combat online misinformation. They have also filed a defamation lawsuit in the United States against conservative influencer Candace Owens, who promoted similar conspiracy theories about Brigitte Macron. Legal experts note that freedom of speech protections differ significantly between France and the U.S., potentially making the American case more challenging.
The Macrons’ Relationship
Brigitte and Emmanuel Macron married in 2007. They first met when Emmanuel Macron was a student and Brigitte, then Brigitte Auzière, was his teacher. The age difference between them has been a frequent subject of online speculation and conspiracy theories.