Table of Contents
- 10 Defendants Face Court Over Online Harassment
- Viral Lies About Brigitte Macron’s Identity
- First Lady’s Family Speaks Out
- “It Was Just a Joke,” Say Accused
- What’s at Risk in This Landmark Case?
- Sources
Brigitte Macron Cyberbullying Trial Begins in Paris
Ten individuals are now on trial in Paris for allegedly spreading malicious falsehoods about France’s First Lady, Brigitte Macron. The case, which has ignited a national debate over online speech, privacy, and gender-based harassment, centers on viral social media posts falsely claiming that Ms. Macron is a transgender woman.
The trial, which opened this week, follows a criminal complaint filed by Ms. Macron in 2024 after the rumors—originating from a 2021 video by self-proclaimed psychic Delphine Jegousse—spread rapidly across platforms like X (formerly Twitter) and Facebook.
How False Claims About Brigitte Macron Went Viral
The conspiracy theory alleges that Brigitte Macron was born Jean-Michel Trogneux, the name of her actual older brother. Despite being thoroughly debunked, the claim gained traction internationally after American commentator Candace Owens repeated it to her millions of followers.
In response, the Macrons filed a defamation lawsuit against Owens in Delaware in July 2025. Back in France, prosecutors argue that the repeated circulation of these falsehoods constitutes targeted harassment that has severely impacted Ms. Macron’s mental well-being and family life.
“She Knows Her Image Can Be Distorted”
During emotional testimony, Tiphaine Auzière, Brigitte Macron’s youngest daughter, described how her mother now lives in constant fear of being mischaracterized.
“She knows her image can be distorted to promote lies and fallacious theories,” Auzière told the court. “Not a week goes by without someone talking to her about it. As a girl, a woman and a mother, I wouldn’t wish what she’s going through on anyone.”
According to a police statement read in court, Brigitte Macron said the harassment has followed her even abroad and believes she’s being used as a proxy to attack her husband, President Emmanuel Macron.
Defendants Claim Satire and Free Speech
The accused—eight men and two women—largely deny any malicious intent. Many described their posts as jokes, satire, or legitimate commentary on a public figure.
“It’s a joke, it’s funny,” said Jérôme Claverie, a finance professional from southern France. “Do you need a certificate or diploma to make jokes in France?”
Others, like tech worker Jérôme Amiot, expressed confusion over why they were being prosecuted for a few retweets. “Today you can send people to court for a few tweets,” he said. “It’s scary.”
Still, prosecutors singled out three defendants with larger followings—Delphine Jegousse, novelist Aurélien Poirson-Atlan, and art gallery owner Bertrand Scholler—as key amplifiers of the disinformation.
Legal Precedent and Possible Penalties
If convicted, the defendants could face up to two years in prison and fines of €30,000 (roughly $35,000). The court must determine whether the online posts caused a “deterioration of living conditions” serious enough to impair Ms. Macron’s physical or mental health.
Legal experts say the case could set a precedent for how France handles online harassment of public figures—balancing freedom of expression against the right to dignity and privacy.
A verdict is expected on January 5, 2026.
