A Paris court has delivered a clear warning against online abuse by convicting ten people for cyberbullying France’s First Lady, Brigitte Macron. The verdict follows years of false and harmful rumours questioning her gender identity. The ruling marks a significant legal step in France’s fight against online harassment and misinformation.
Brigitte Macron Transgender Rumours Case
The case centred on false online claims alleging that Brigitte Macron is a transgender woman. The rumours also targeted her marriage to President Emmanuel Macron, using abusive language and offensive comparisons.
The court described the statements as “particularly degrading, insulting, and malicious”. Judges ruled that the comments went far beyond free speech or satire.
Who Were Convicted and What Punishment Was Given?
The court found eight men and two women guilty. The accused were aged between 41 and 60. Their backgrounds included a local elected official, a teacher, and a computer scientist.
Penalties varied. Some received mandatory cyberbullying awareness training. Others were handed suspended prison sentences of up to eight months.
Several defendants argued that their comments were jokes or satire. The court rejected that defence.
Why Did Brigitte Macron Take Legal Action?
Brigitte Macron did not attend the trial. However, she explained her decision to pursue the case during a television interview. “I launched legal proceedings to set an example,” she said, stressing the need to challenge harassment rather than ignore it.
Her stance has drawn support from women’s rights groups and anti-harassment campaigners.
One of the key figures in the case was Delphine Jegousse, also known online as Amandine Roy. She played a major role in spreading the rumour after posting a four-hour video in 2021.
The case highlights how long-form online content can fuel conspiracy theories and magnify harassment.
What Is the Age Gap Between Emmanuel Macron and Brigitte Macron?
French President Emmanuel Macron is 24 years younger than his wife, Brigitte Macron. Emmanuel was born on December 21, 1977, while Brigitte was born on April 13, 1953. Their age difference has often attracted public attention, especially because Brigitte was Macron’s teacher when they first met.
Despite scrutiny over their unconventional relationship, the couple has maintained a strong bond and openly addressed questions about their age gap.
What Harassment Did Brigitte Macron Face?
Brigitte Macron has been the target of sustained online harassment and cyberbullying. False rumours falsely claiming she is a transgender woman circulated widely on social media. Some posts even alleged that she was born as a man named Jean-Michel Trogneux, which is actually the name of her brother.
Many of the abusive messages targeted her marriage, including offensive comparisons of her age gap with Emmanuel Macron to “paedophilia”.
The Paris court described these claims as “particularly degrading, insulting, and malicious” and ruled that such harassment could not be excused as satire or humour.
What Is Emmanuel Macron and Brigitte Macron’s Net Worth?
The Macron couple’s net worth is relatively modest compared to many global leaders. Emmanuel Macron’s wealth is estimated at €1 million to €2 million, including his presidential salary, past earnings as an investment banker, and book royalties.
Brigitte Macron, a former schoolteacher, does not receive a salary as First Lady, though her official expenses are covered by the state. Combined, their net worth is likely in the low single-digit millions, reflecting decades of professional work rather than inherited or large-scale personal wealth.
Background of the False Claims
The rumours falsely claimed that Brigitte Macron was born under the name Jean-Michel Trogneux. That name actually belongs to her brother. The Macrons have also taken legal action outside France. They filed a defamation lawsuit in the United States against conservative influencer Candace Owens.
Legal experts say the ruling could set a precedent. It shows courts are willing to hold individuals accountable for digital abuse, even years after content is posted. The verdict reinforces that online harassment carries real-world consequences.
