Brigitte Macron Cyberbullying Trial Opens for 10 Defendants

Ten individuals will stand trial in Paris over allegations of cyberbullying France’s First Lady, Brigitte Macron. The eight men and two women are accused of posting malicious online comments about her gender and sexuality. The trial begins on Monday.

According to the Paris prosecutor’s office, the defendants spread claims that the president’s wife is a man. Their posts also allegedly described the Macrons’ age difference as “paedophilia.” This case marks a significant legal action against online harassment targeting a public figure.

Defendants and the Spread of Malicious Content

The accused are aged between 41 and 60. Some were very active on social media. Their posts sometimes accumulated tens of thousands of views.

A woman who presented herself as a medium is among the defendants. An advertising executive, whose X account was suspended, is also considered a major spreader of the rumor. Other defendants include an elected official, a teacher, and a computer scientist.

Long-Standing Conspiracy Theories and Legal History

The Macrons have faced conspiracy theories for years. A false claim suggests Brigitte was born a man named Jean-Michel Trogneux. Jean-Michel Trogneux is actually the name of Brigitte’s brother.

This Paris trial follows other legal actions. In September 2024, Brigitte and her brother won a defamation suit against two women. A Paris appeals court later overturned that ruling in July. The Macrons have since appealed to France’s highest court.

The trial underscores a firm stance against online harassment. The Brigitte Macron trial represents a pivotal moment for accountability in the digital age. Its outcome will be closely watched globally.

Thought you’d like to know

What are the ten people accused of in the Brigitte Macron trial?

They are accused of cyberbullying and posting numerous malicious comments online. The claims targeted Brigitte Macron’s gender and sexuality. The posts also wrongly described her relationship with the president.

Who are the defendants in this case?

The defendants include eight men and two women aged 41 to 60. Their professions range from an elected official to a teacher and a computer scientist. Some were very active on social media platforms.

Have the Macrons taken legal action on this issue before?

Yes, they have a history of pursuing defamation cases. Brigitte and her brother previously won a case in 2024, though it was later overturned. They also filed a suit in the US against commentator Candace Owens.

What is the origin of the conspiracy theory about Brigitte Macron?

The false theory claims Brigitte Macron was born a man named Jean-Michel Trogneux. In reality, Jean-Michel Trogneux is the name of her brother. The baseless rumor has been circulated online for years.

Why is this trial significant?

It represents a major effort to combat cyberbullying of high-profile figures. The case tests the legal system’s ability to address modern online harassment. It sets a potential precedent for future similar cases.

Trusted Sources: Information was synthesized from reporting by international news agencies including Reuters and The Associated Press.