A trial has begun in Paris for ten individuals accused of cyber-bullying Brigitte Macron, the wife of French President Emmanuel Macron, by disseminating false claims about her gender, sexuality, and age. The proceedings have included testimony from her daughter regarding the reported impact of these claims on her health and family.
Trial Overview
Ten individuals are currently on trial in Paris, facing accusations of cyber-bullying Brigitte Macron. The charges relate to the spread of claims regarding her gender, sexuality, and the age difference between her and Emmanuel Macron. Among the accused are an elected official, a gallery owner, and a teacher. Prosecutors are seeking suspended prison terms ranging from three to twelve months, in addition to fines of up to €8,000 ($9,300). If convicted, defendants could face a maximum sentence of two years' imprisonment.
Impact Testimony
On the second day of the trial, Tiphaine Auzière, Brigitte Macron's daughter, testified about the reported effects of the claims. Ms. Auzière stated that the cyber-bullying has negatively impacted her mother's health and living conditions, observing a "deterioration" in her health. She noted that her mother, aged 72, has become more cautious about her outfit choices and posture, understanding that her image could be used to support these theories, and is regularly informed of the allegations. Ms. Auzière also indicated that the claims have caused suffering for her grandchildren, who have experienced taunting at school. She highlighted that Brigitte Macron is not an elected official and had not sought public office.
Background of Allegations and Prior Cases
The conspiracy theory, which alleges Brigitte Macron is a transgender woman, has circulated since Emmanuel Macron became president in 2017. These claims reportedly gained international traction, particularly through promotion by US influencer Candace Owens. In July, the Macrons filed a lawsuit against Owens. Tom Clare, the Macrons' lawyer in the case against Owens, stated that Brigitte Macron found the claims upsetting and a distraction to the French president. Emmanuel Macron himself stated the legal action against Owens was about "defending his honour" and alleged Owens disseminated false information "with the aim of causing harm, in the service of an ideology and with established connections to far-right leaders."
Two of the current defendants, Natacha Rey, described as a self-styled independent journalist, and Amandine Roy, an internet fortune-teller, were previously convicted of slander last year. Their conviction stemmed from claims that Brigitte Macron never existed and that her brother, Jean-Michel Trogneux, had changed gender and assumed her identity. An appeals court subsequently acquitted Rey and Roy, ruling that their statements did not constitute defamation. Mrs. Macron and her brother are appealing this decision.
Couple's Relationship
Brigitte Macron first met Emmanuel Macron when she was a teacher at his secondary school. They married in 2007, at which time Emmanuel Macron was 29 years old and Brigitte Macron was 54.