French Trial Begins for 10 Accused of Sexist Harassment Against Brigitte Macron

In a significant legal case addressing online harassment, ten individuals are set to face trial in Paris this week for alleged cyber-harassment of France’s first lady, Brigitte Macron. The proceedings, scheduled for Monday and Tuesday, represent the latest chapter in ongoing legal battles stemming from false claims about her gender identity.

The defendants—eight men and two women between the ages of 41 and 60—stand accused of publishing numerous malicious comments on social media platforms regarding Brigitte Macron’s gender and sexuality. Some posts reportedly went so far as to characterize the age difference between her and President Emmanuel Macron as “paedophilia,” adding another layer of defamation to the already inflammatory rhetoric.

If found guilty of cyber-harassment, the accused could face severe consequences, including prison sentences of up to two years under French law, which has increasingly recognized the serious nature of online abuse.

Carlo Brusa, an attorney representing one of the defendants, attempted to downplay the significance of his client’s actions. “These are tweets, posts that can be considered as harassment of Brigitte Macron,” Brusa acknowledged, while asserting that his client remained “serene” about the proceedings. The lawyer further attempted to normalize the behavior by claiming that his client was merely one among “hundreds of thousands, possibly millions of people who tweeted and retweeted this story considered as extraordinary—though less funny for Mrs. Macron—a story known worldwide.”

This Paris trial represents just one front in the Macrons’ broader legal battle against misinformation. The unfounded transgender conspiracy theory has crossed international borders, gaining traction particularly in right-wing circles in the United States. In July, the French presidential couple took legal action against American conservative influencer Candace Owens, filing a defamation lawsuit specifically targeting her public assertions that the first lady was born male.

The case highlights the growing global challenge of combating misinformation and cyber-harassment targeting public figures. France, like many European countries, has adopted increasingly stringent laws against online hate speech and harassment, reflecting a broader societal concern about the real-world impact of digital abuse.

For Brigitte Macron, who has been a target of conspiracy theories since her husband’s rise to political prominence, these false claims represent more than mere political attacks. They constitute deeply personal assaults on her identity and privacy, deployed as weapons in France’s increasingly polarized political landscape.

Digital misinformation experts note that gendered conspiracy theories often target women in positions of influence, regardless of political affiliation. The phenomenon reflects deeper societal tensions around gender, power, and public visibility.

The trial also comes amid heightened political tensions in France, where President Macron faces significant challenges following recent parliamentary elections that produced a fragmented legislature. Some analysts suggest the persistence of these conspiracy theories reflects broader political frustration and attempts to delegitimize the Macron administration by attacking his family.

French courts have previously adjudicated similar cases involving online harassment of public figures, generally taking a strict approach that balances free speech considerations with protections against defamation and harassment.

As the trial unfolds in Paris this week, it will likely reignite debates about the boundaries of free speech online, the responsibilities of social media platforms, and the appropriate legal remedies for combating harassment in digital spaces. The case also serves as a stark reminder of how quickly false information can spread globally in the digital age, and the challenge of containing such narratives once they gain momentum.