Ten Individuals Convicted of Cyber Bullying Brigitte Macron Over False Claims
Ten people have been convicted for cyber bullying France’s First Lady, Brigitte Macron, in a case driven by unfounded allegations about her gender identity. The legal proceedings were ignited by the spread of false assertions that she was born male, underscoring ongoing issues related to online harassment and its consequences.
Why It Matters
This verdict highlights the serious repercussions of cyber bullying, particularly against public figures, and raises awareness about the potential harm caused by misinformation. It reflects a broader societal issue concerning the protection of individuals from digital harassment and the normalization of harmful stereotypes.
Key Developments
- Eight men and two women, aged 41 to 60, were found guilty of posting degrading comments about Brigitte Macron.
- The defendants received varied sentences, including cyber bullying awareness training and eight-month suspended prison terms.
- Some defendants claimed their remarks were intended as humor and expressed confusion over their prosecution.
- Brigitte Macron did not attend the trial but stated her intention to “set an example” against harassment in a recent television interview.
- Her daughter, Tiphaine Auziere, testified about the negative impact of the harassment on their family, emphasizing its emotional toll.
- The Macrons are also pursuing a defamation lawsuit in the United States against Candace Owens, a right-wing influencer who has made similar claims regarding Ms. Macron’s identity.
Full Report
Trial and Sentences
The legal action against the ten individuals stemmed from a series of particularly insulting and malicious comments posted online about Ms. Macron, specifically targeting her gender and sexuality. The authorities charged the defendants for perpetuating false narratives about the 24-year age difference between Brigitte, 72, and her husband, Emmanuel Macron, 48, suggesting inappropriate connotations. During the trial, which took place over two days, numerous online posts were referenced, many of which had garnered tens of thousands of views.
Testimonies and Statements
Ms. Macron chose not to attend court during the trial but later shared her motivations for pursuing legal action on TF1, a national television channel, indicating she aimed to establish a precedent against online harassment. In court, her daughter described the significant emotional distress caused by the online abuse, stating that it has affected the entire family, including Ms. Macron’s grandchildren. This sentiment underscores the extent to which public scrutiny can invade personal lives.
Previous Controversies
This conviction follows years of conspiracy theories suggesting that Ms. Macron was born under the name Jean-Michel Trogneux, which is actually her brother’s name. Recently, additional incidents, including a moment captured on camera where Ms. Macron playfully pushed her husband as he exited a plane, drew public attention and were later downplayed by Emmanuel Macron as typical marital humor.
Context & Previous Events
For years, there has been a proliferation of conspiratorial claims regarding Brigitte Macron’s gender, which have fueled ongoing harassment. In addition to the current case, the Macrons are seeking legal recourse for defamation in the United States against social media personalities perpetuating these false narratives.
