Full Breakdown
Paris Court Convicts Ten for Cyberbullying Brigitte Macron
1/5/2026, 7:44:43 PM
Legal Ruling Against Online Harassment
On January 5, 2026, a Paris court found ten individuals guilty of cyberbullying Brigitte Macron, the First Lady of France, for spreading false claims about her gender and sexuality. The defendants, comprising eight men and two women aged between 41 and 65, were accused of disseminating malicious content that falsely asserted Ms. Macron was born male and linked her 24-year age difference with President Emmanuel Macron to "paedophilia." The court described these comments as "particularly degrading, insulting, and malicious," leading to sentences ranging from mandatory cyberbullying awareness training to suspended prison terms of up to eight months. One defendant received a six-month prison sentence for failing to attend the trial.
Background of the Case
The allegations against Brigitte Macron, including claims that she was born under the name Jean-Michel Trogneux—her brother's actual name—have circulated online since her husband’s election in 2017. The couple's relationship, marked by their significant age gap, has often attracted scrutiny and ridicule. The Macrons initially chose to ignore the online harassment but later decided to take legal action due to the escalating nature of the attacks. This ruling is part of a broader campaign by the Macrons to combat misinformation and harassment, which includes a separate defamation lawsuit against American podcaster Candace Owens, who has also promoted similar false claims.
Impact on Brigitte Macron and Her Family
During the trial, Brigitte Macron's daughter, Tiphaine Auzière, testified about the detrimental effects of the online harassment on her mother's health and well-being. She described how the constant barrage of false claims has caused a "deterioration" in her mother's quality of life and has negatively impacted the entire family, including Macron's grandchildren. Auzière emphasized that her mother cannot ignore the "horrible things" said about her online, which have led to significant distress.
Official Statements and Responses
Brigitte Macron did not attend the trial but expressed her determination to set an example in the fight against online harassment during a television interview. She stated, "A birth certificate is not nothing. It is a father or a mother who goes to declare their child, who says who he is or who she is." Her lawyer, Jean Ennochi, highlighted the importance of the court's ruling in promoting awareness about cyberbullying and the need for accountability among those who spread false information.
Criticism and Opposition
Some defendants argued that their comments were intended as humor or satire, claiming they did not understand the legal repercussions of their actions. This defense was rejected by the court, which emphasized that the nature of the comments constituted targeted harassment rather than legitimate discourse. Bertrand Scholler, one of the convicted individuals, expressed his intention to appeal, claiming the trial infringed on his freedom of speech.
What's Next
The ruling marks a significant step in addressing online harassment in France, with potential implications for similar cases in the future. The Macrons continue to pursue their defamation lawsuit against Candace Owens in the United States, seeking to hold her accountable for perpetuating the harmful conspiracy theories about Brigitte Macron.
Verbatim Quotes
- “A birth certificate is not nothing. It is a father or a mother who goes to declare their child, who says who he is or who she is.” — Brigitte Macron
- “She cannot ignore the horrible things said about her,” — Tiphaine Auzière, Brigitte Macron's daughter
- “This shows just how far French society is drifting towards less freedom of speech.” — Bertrand Scholler, defendant
This case underscores the growing concern over online harassment and the legal accountability of individuals who propagate false and harmful narratives, highlighting the need for continued vigilance against misinformation in the digital age.
