Paris Court Convicts 10 Individuals for Cyberbullying France’s First Lady
A Paris court has rendered a verdict against 10 individuals found guilty of cyberbullying Brigitte Macron, the first lady of France. The court case centered on the dissemination of false claims regarding her gender and sexuality, including allegations of her being born male.
Among the defendants, one received a six-month prison sentence, while eight others were given suspended sentences ranging from four to eight months. All of those convicted are required to participate in cyberbullying awareness programs.
The court described the comments as “particularly degrading, insulting, and malicious,” highlighting the impact of repeated false claims suggesting Brigitte Macron was transgender and likening her age difference with President Emmanuel Macron to pedophilia. Some of these posts garnered tens of thousands of views.
Brigitte Macron, who did not attend the trial held in October, emphasized the importance of addressing harassment in her remarks on TF1 national television, stating her legal actions were intended to “set an example.”
Her lawyer, Jean Ennochi, expressed the significance of immediate cyberbullying awareness training and social media restrictions for certain defendants.
Among those testifying was Tiphaine Auzière, Brigitte Macron’s daughter, who spoke about the “deterioration” of her mother’s life due to online harassment, noting its broader impact on their family, including Macron’s grandchildren.
One defendant, a property asset manager, received a six-month prison term, which under French law, may be served at home under certain conditions. Delphine Jegousse, known as Amandine Roy, played a significant role by releasing a four-hour video on YouTube in 2021, earning her a six-month sentence.
Aurélien Poirson-Atlan, identified as Zoé Sagan on social media, received an eight-month sentence. His social media account was suspended following mentions in judicial investigations.
A teacher, who apologized during the trial, was the only defendant not receiving a prison sentence but will attend cyberbullying awareness programs. Several individuals will see their online access suspended for six months on the platforms where they posted harmful content.
Additionally, the court ordered all 10 defendants to jointly pay 10,000 euros (approximately $11,675) in compensation to Brigitte Macron for moral damage, with the sentences reflecting the gravity of their actions.
Some defendants argued during the trial that their comments were intended as humor or satire and expressed confusion over the prosecution. The case arises from long-standing conspiracy theories falsely alleging Brigitte Macron was born as Jean-Michel Trogneux, her brother’s name. The Macrons have also initiated a defamation lawsuit in the United States against conservative influencer Candace Owens.
The Macrons, who have been married since 2007, first met when Emmanuel was a student and Brigitte was a teacher. Brigitte Macron, now 72, is 24 years older than her husband, who has served as France’s president since 2017.
