Brigitte Macron wins case against online abuse fuelled by ‘trans’ conspiracy

A French court has convicted ten individuals for orchestrating a campaign of online harassment against First Lady Brigitte Macron, marking a significant step in France’s crackdown on cyber‑bullying and defamation.

The defendants - eight men and two women aged between 41 and 65 - were found guilty of posting “particularly degrading, insulting and malicious” remarks, including false claims that Ms Macron was transgender and insinuations about her marriage to President Emmanuel Macron. Sentences range from mandatory cyber‑bullying awareness training to suspended prison terms of up to eight months.

The case centred on a conspiracy theory alleging Ms Macron was born male, under the name Jean‑Michel Trogneux – her brother’s name. During the trial, her daughter Tiphaine Auzière testified that the rumours had damaged her mother’s health and disrupted family life.

Although Ms Macron did not attend the hearings, she stated on TF1 television that she pursued legal action “to set an example” in the fight against online harassment. The Macrons have also launched a separate defamation suit in the United States against influencer Candace Owens, who amplified similar claims.

Under French law, cyber‑harassment can carry penalties of up to two years in prison and fines of €8,000. Legal experts say the ruling sends a strong message that digital abuse targeting public figures will not go unpunished.