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A Paris court on Monday found 10 individuals guilty of cyberbullying France’s first lady Brigitte Macron through the spread of false claims about her gender and sexuality. The defendants, who had circulated conspiracy theories alleging she was born male, received sentences ranging from suspended prison terms to mandatory cyberbullying awareness training.
One defendant was sentenced to six months in prison, while eight others received suspended sentences between four and eight months. All 10 were ordered to attend specialized training on cyberbullying. The court specifically highlighted the “particularly degrading, insulting, and malicious” nature of comments falsely suggesting that Brigitte Macron was transgender and a pedophile.
“Repeated publications have had cumulative harmful effects,” the court stated in its ruling.
The defendants, comprising eight men and two women between the ages of 41 and 65, had posted numerous comments falsely claiming that the wife of President Emmanuel Macron was born male and characterizing their 24-year age gap as pedophilia. Some of these posts garnered tens of thousands of views online, significantly amplifying their reach and impact.
While Brigitte Macron did not attend the two-day trial in October, she addressed the case during an interview with France’s TF1 television network on Sunday, explaining that she initiated legal proceedings to “set an example” in combating online harassment.
Her lawyer, Jean Ennochi, emphasized the importance of the court-mandated cyberbullying awareness training and the prohibition preventing some defendants from using their social media accounts.
During the trial, Brigitte Macron’s daughter, Tiphaine Auzière, testified about the profound impact the harassment has had on her mother’s life. “She cannot ignore the horrible things said about her,” Auzière told the court, adding that the harassment has affected the entire family, including Macron’s grandchildren.
Among the defendants, a property asset manager received a six-month prison sentence, which under French law may be served at home, possibly with an electronic monitoring device or other judicial requirements.
Delphine Jegousse, 51, known online as Amandine Roy, who describes herself as a medium and author, received a six-month prison sentence. She was identified as playing a significant role in spreading the rumors after releasing a four-hour video on her YouTube channel in 2021.
Aurélien Poirson-Atlan, 41, who used the pseudonym Zoé Sagan on social media, received an eight-month prison sentence. His X (formerly Twitter) account was suspended earlier this year after being named in several judicial investigations. A gallery owner received an identical sentence.
The only defendant who escaped a prison sentence was a teacher who apologized during the trial. He will still be required to attend cyberbullying awareness training.
Several defendants will have their access to specific social media platforms suspended for six months. All ten were jointly ordered to pay 10,000 euros ($11,675) in compensation to Brigitte Macron for moral damages.
The court emphasized that the sentences were proportional to the severity of the comments made by each defendant. During the trial, several defendants claimed their posts were intended as humor or satire, expressing confusion about why they faced prosecution.
This case follows years of conspiracy theories falsely alleging that Brigitte Macron was born under the name Jean-Michel Trogneux, which is actually her brother’s name. The conspiracy gained significant traction in French-speaking social media circles and spread internationally.
The Macrons have also filed a defamation lawsuit in the United States against conservative influencer Candace Owens, who has promoted similar false claims.
The couple, who have been married since 2007, first met at the high school where Emmanuel was a student and Brigitte a teacher. At the time, she was known as Brigitte Auzière, a married mother of three. The 72-year-old Brigitte Macron is 24 years older than her husband, who has served as France’s president since 2017.
The case highlights the growing concern about online disinformation and harassment targeting public figures, and sets a potential precedent for how the French judicial system addresses cyberbullying cases involving high-profile individuals.
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16 Comments
Cyberbullying is a serious issue that can have lasting impacts. I’m glad the French authorities took a strong stance against these individuals who sought to humiliate and defame the First Lady. Sentences like these can help set a precedent against this kind of online harassment.
I agree. While public figures may have to endure more scrutiny, they should not be subjected to such malicious and untrue attacks. This ruling sends an important message that there are consequences for this kind of behavior.
It’s encouraging to see the French authorities taking a firm stance against online harassment and misinformation. Brigitte Macron should not have to endure such degrading and false attacks, regardless of her public status. This ruling demonstrates that there are real consequences for this kind of behavior.
Absolutely. While public figures may face more scrutiny, they deserve to be treated with respect. The court’s decision to impose sentences and mandatory training sends a clear message that this kind of cyberbullying will not be tolerated.
It’s good to see the court taking cyberbullying and the spread of misinformation so seriously. Falsely accusing someone of being transgender or a pedophile is a despicable act that can cause real harm. The defendants deserved the penalties they received.
Absolutely. Brigitte Macron should not have to endure such degrading and baseless attacks, even as a public figure. This ruling demonstrates that the justice system will hold people accountable for this kind of online harassment.
This case highlights the need for stronger measures to combat cyberbullying and the spread of misinformation online. While freedom of speech is important, it should not be used as a cover for harassing and defaming others, even public figures. The court’s ruling sets a good precedent.
I agree. The defendants’ actions were clearly malicious and intended to humiliate the First Lady. Forcing them to undergo cyberbullying awareness training is a sensible approach to hopefully deter this kind of behavior in the future.
This case is a stark reminder of the harmful impact that online harassment and the spread of misinformation can have, even towards public figures. I’m glad to see the French justice system taking it seriously and holding the perpetrators accountable. Hopefully, this ruling will deter others from engaging in similar behavior.
I agree. The court’s decision to impose sentences and mandatory training is an appropriate response to the defendants’ malicious actions. This sends a strong message that there are real consequences for cyberbullying, even when directed at public figures.
It’s good to see the French justice system cracking down on online harassment and misinformation. Falsely accusing someone of being transgender or a pedophile is a despicable act. The sentences handed down seem appropriate given the severity of the offenses.
I agree. Cyberbullying can have devastating impacts, even for public figures. Forcing the defendants to undergo awareness training is a smart move – they clearly need to understand the harm their actions can cause.
This case highlights the real-world consequences of spreading malicious lies online. While freedom of speech is important, it should not be used as a shield for harassment and defamation. I hope this ruling deters others from engaging in similar behavior.
Absolutely. Targeting the First Lady with such degrading and false claims is unacceptable. The court was right to take this seriously and impose meaningful penalties on the perpetrators.
Cyberbullying is never acceptable, even towards public figures. The court was right to hold these individuals accountable for their malicious and degrading comments about the First Lady. Spreading false conspiracy theories online can have real consequences.
Exactly. The defendants should be ashamed of themselves for targeting Brigitte Macron in such a hateful way. This ruling sends a clear message that this kind of behavior will not be tolerated.