French First Lady Targeted: Trial Begins for Cyber-bullying Campaign Against Brigitte Macron

Ten individuals faced a Paris court this week as their trial began over allegations of cyber-bullying France’s First Lady, Brigitte Macron, by spreading false claims that she is transgender.

The two-day trial, which commenced on Wednesday, centers around what prosecutors describe as “malicious” online comments that circulated widely on social media platforms. The defendants are accused of participating in a coordinated disinformation campaign that falsely alleged the 71-year-old wife of French President Emmanuel Macron was born male.

Brigitte Macron herself did not appear in the courtroom, but her daughter provided emotional testimony about the personal toll these rumors have taken on her mother. According to the testimony, the First Lady now suffers from “deep anxiety” as a direct result of the persistent false claims that have circulated online since 2021.

The case highlights the growing concern about targeted harassment campaigns against public figures in France, where laws against cyber-harassment have been strengthened in recent years. Legal experts note that this high-profile trial could set important precedents for how French courts handle online disinformation cases going forward.

“This case is particularly significant because it involves the First Lady, but it represents a broader trend of malicious online campaigns targeting public figures,” said Pierre Dubois, a legal analyst specializing in digital rights. “French courts are increasingly willing to hold individuals accountable for harmful online behavior.”

The conspiracy theory about Macron’s gender identity first gained traction in far-right circles before spreading more widely across social media platforms. It began with a self-published article by a far-right activist that was later amplified by various accounts on Twitter, Facebook, and other platforms.

The defendants include individuals from various backgrounds, including a retired physician, several political activists, and social media influencers. If convicted, they could face significant fines and potential prison sentences under France’s strict anti-harassment laws.

The case has drawn particular attention as it comes amid growing concerns across Europe about the impact of online disinformation on public discourse and personal wellbeing. French politicians across the political spectrum have condemned the harassment, though some critics question whether the prosecution risks limiting free speech.

For Brigitte Macron, who met Emmanuel when she was his high school teacher and married him in 2007, the personal impact has been severe, according to family members. Her daughter described how the rumors have affected her mother’s mental health and daily life, forcing her to become more guarded in public appearances.

“These kinds of targeted harassment campaigns can have devastating personal consequences,” noted social media researcher Caroline Martin. “Even for public figures with significant resources, persistent online harassment can cause serious psychological harm.”

The trial also raises questions about the responsibility of social media platforms in preventing the spread of harmful disinformation. While not directly implicated in the current proceedings, companies like Meta and X (formerly Twitter) have faced increasing pressure from European regulators to better police harmful content.

France has been at the forefront of European efforts to combat online harassment, implementing some of the continent’s strictest laws against cyber-bullying. The outcome of this high-profile case could influence how similar cases are handled across the European Union.

The trial is expected to conclude tomorrow, though a verdict may take several weeks to be announced.