Paris Court Convicts 10 for Cyberbullying Brigitte Macron
Paris, Jan 5, 2026 — A Paris criminal court on Monday found ten individuals guilty of cyberbullying France’s First Lady, Brigitte Macron, concluding a high-profile case that highlighted the legal consequences of online harassment and misinformation. AP News
The defendants — eight men and two women — were convicted for spreading false and defamatory online claims about Ms. Macron’s gender and identity, including baseless allegations that she was born male and is a transgender woman. Reuters
False Online Campaign and Harassment
The case stemmed from widespread social media posts and conspiracy theories alleging that Brigitte Macron was not biologically female but was born male under the name Jean-Michel Trogneux — a claim that is unfounded and defamatory. Many of the posts also sought to tie false narratives about her gender to the 24-year age gap between her and President Emmanuel Macron, some going as far as invoking baseless accusations of paedophilia. Reuters
Prosecutors described the comments as “particularly degrading, insulting, and malicious,” noting that the repeated spread of such misinformation constituted coordinated harassment that harmed the First Lady’s reputation. AP News
Sentences and Legal Measures
The court imposed a range of penalties reflecting the severity of the offenses: Reuters
- One defendant received a six-month prison sentence, handed down because he was absent from the trial proceedings.
- Eight others were given suspended prison sentences ranging up to eight months.
- The court ordered all ten to attend cyberbullying awareness training.
- Some were temporarily banned from social media platforms where the harassment occurred.
- The group was also ordered to pay compensation for moral damages to Brigitte Macron. Reuters
Authorities emphasized that the use of social media to spread defamatory claims and target individuals with personal attacks could not be shielded by free speech protections when it crossed into harassment. EFE Noticias
Broader Context and Reactions
Brigitte Macron did not attend the trial but publicly stated that her legal action was part of a broader effort to set an example in the fight against online harassment and misinformation. Her daughter, Tiphaine Auzière, testified during the proceedings about the emotional and personal toll that years of online abuse had taken on the First Lady and her family. EFE Noticias
The ruling represents one of several legal actions taken by the Macrons to confront false claims and conspiracy theories. The couple is also pursuing a defamation lawsuit in the United States against conservative commentator Candace Owens, who helped amplify similar allegations to millions online. Reuters
Significance of the Verdict
Legal experts say the convictions underscore the willingness of French courts to enforce laws that protect individuals — even public figures — from targeted online harassment and the spread of harmful disinformation. The case also highlights the challenges democracies face in balancing freedom of expression with protections against cyberbullying and defamatory conduct in an era of viral social media content. AP News