Ten on Trial in Paris for Cyberbullying Brigitte Macron Over Gender Rumors
Ten people face charges in Paris. They are accused of online harassment against France’s first lady, Brigitte Macron.
The trial started on Monday. It lasts two days. Eight men and two women, aged 41 to 60, stand accused.
Prosecutors say they posted harmful comments. These targeted Brigitte Macron’s gender and sexuality. Some called her age gap with President Emmanuel Macron “pedophilia.”
The rumors claim Brigitte was born a man. They say she was named Jean-Michel Trogneux, her brother’s name. This false story started in 2017.
Brigitte Macron filed a complaint in August 2024. It led to arrests in February and March 2025. The court picked the most severe cases.
Brigitte did not attend the trial. Her daughter, Tiphaine Auzière, gave testimony. She said the attacks hurt her mother’s daily life.
The judge noted harm to Brigitte’s health. It caused mental and physical strain.
This trial links to wider fights. In July, the Macrons sued U.S. podcaster Candace Owens in Delaware. They seek big damages for her videos pushing the rumor.
Owens made a series called “Becoming Brigitte.” It reached millions on YouTube.
In 2024, Brigitte and her brother won a defamation case. Two women got fines for spreading the claims. But an appeals court overturned it in July. Now, they appeal to France’s top court.
The Macrons met in high school. She was his teacher. They married in 2007.
Defendants deny the charges. One key figure is Aurélien Poirson-Atlan, known as Zoé Sagan. His X account was suspended last year. Prosecutors want up to 12 months suspended jail time for him. Plus an €8,000 fine.
Others include an elected official, a teacher, and a computer expert. Sentences could reach two years in prison if guilty.
Brigitte’s lawyer calls it “group harassment.” He says the accused ignore the damage.
This case highlights online hate. It shows the need for stronger rules against cyberbullying. Especially for public figures like the first lady.
