Paris Court Convicts Ten for Cyber-Bullying Brigitte Macron Amidst Ongoing Defamation Battle
Published 5 January 2026
Highlights
- Ten individuals were found guilty by a Paris court for cyber-bullying Brigitte Macron, spreading false claims about her gender and sexuality.
- Most defendants received suspended sentences, while one was jailed for not attending court; some had their social media accounts suspended.
- The Macrons have filed a defamation lawsuit in the US against Candace Owens for amplifying false claims about Brigitte Macron's gender identity.
- Brigitte Macron's daughter testified that the harassment has negatively impacted her mother's health and quality of life.
- The case highlights ongoing legal battles against conspiracy theories targeting the French first lady.
-
Rewritten Article
Headline: Paris Court Convicts Ten for Cyber-Bullying Brigitte Macron Amidst Ongoing Defamation Battle
A Paris court has convicted ten individuals for cyber-bullying Brigitte Macron, the wife of French President Emmanuel Macron, marking a significant development in the ongoing battle against online harassment. The defendants, comprising eight men and two women aged between 41 and 60, were found guilty of spreading false claims about Brigitte Macron's gender and sexuality, as well as making derogatory remarks about the couple's 24-year age gap.
Court Verdict and Sentences
Most of the accused received suspended prison sentences of up to eight months, with one individual jailed for six months due to absence from court proceedings. Additionally, some defendants faced suspension from social media platforms where they had propagated the malicious content. The court emphasized the deliberate intent to harm Brigitte Macron through degrading and insulting online remarks.
Impact on Brigitte Macron and Family
The cyber-bullying has reportedly taken a toll on Brigitte Macron's health and daily life. Her daughter, Tiphaine Auzière, testified that the false allegations have forced her mother to be cautious about her public appearance, affecting her overall well-being. Auzière also highlighted the distress caused to her children, who faced taunts at school.
Legal Battles Across the Atlantic
The Paris ruling is part of a broader legal strategy by the Macrons to combat conspiracy theories. They have initiated a defamation lawsuit in the United States against right-wing influencer Candace Owens, who has repeatedly claimed that Brigitte Macron is a transgender woman. The lawsuit accuses Owens of ignoring credible evidence and promoting known conspiracy theorists.
Historical Context and Ongoing Challenges
The false narrative about Brigitte Macron's gender has persisted partly due to public fascination with the Macrons' relationship, which began when Brigitte was Emmanuel Macron's teacher. Despite initial advice to ignore the rumors, the couple decided to confront the misinformation legally, reflecting the growing challenge of addressing online defamation and conspiracy theories.
-
Scenario Analysis
The Paris court's decision could set a precedent for future cases involving online harassment and defamation, potentially influencing how similar cases are handled in France and beyond. The Macrons' US lawsuit against Candace Owens may further highlight the complexities of international legal battles over online content, especially when it involves public figures. Legal experts suggest that these cases could lead to stricter regulations on social media platforms to curb the spread of harmful misinformation. As the Macrons continue their legal fight, the outcomes may impact public discourse on privacy, freedom of speech, and the responsibilities of digital platforms in moderating content.
A Paris court has convicted ten individuals for cyber-bullying Brigitte Macron, the wife of French President Emmanuel Macron, marking a significant development in the ongoing battle against online harassment. The defendants, comprising eight men and two women aged between 41 and 60, were found guilty of spreading false claims about Brigitte Macron's gender and sexuality, as well as making derogatory remarks about the couple's 24-year age gap.
Court Verdict and Sentences
Most of the accused received suspended prison sentences of up to eight months, with one individual jailed for six months due to absence from court proceedings. Additionally, some defendants faced suspension from social media platforms where they had propagated the malicious content. The court emphasized the deliberate intent to harm Brigitte Macron through degrading and insulting online remarks.
Impact on Brigitte Macron and Family
The cyber-bullying has reportedly taken a toll on Brigitte Macron's health and daily life. Her daughter, Tiphaine Auzière, testified that the false allegations have forced her mother to be cautious about her public appearance, affecting her overall well-being. Auzière also highlighted the distress caused to her children, who faced taunts at school.
Legal Battles Across the Atlantic
The Paris ruling is part of a broader legal strategy by the Macrons to combat conspiracy theories. They have initiated a defamation lawsuit in the United States against right-wing influencer Candace Owens, who has repeatedly claimed that Brigitte Macron is a transgender woman. The lawsuit accuses Owens of ignoring credible evidence and promoting known conspiracy theorists.
Historical Context and Ongoing Challenges
The false narrative about Brigitte Macron's gender has persisted partly due to public fascination with the Macrons' relationship, which began when Brigitte was Emmanuel Macron's teacher. Despite initial advice to ignore the rumors, the couple decided to confront the misinformation legally, reflecting the growing challenge of addressing online defamation and conspiracy theories.
What this might mean
The Paris court's decision could set a precedent for future cases involving online harassment and defamation, potentially influencing how similar cases are handled in France and beyond. The Macrons' US lawsuit against Candace Owens may further highlight the complexities of international legal battles over online content, especially when it involves public figures. Legal experts suggest that these cases could lead to stricter regulations on social media platforms to curb the spread of harmful misinformation. As the Macrons continue their legal fight, the outcomes may impact public discourse on privacy, freedom of speech, and the responsibilities of digital platforms in moderating content.
