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# Brigitte Macron wins case against online abuse fuelled by ‘trans’ conspiracy
- URL: https://www.scenemag.co.uk/brigitte-macron-wins-case-against-online-abuse-fuelled-by-trans-conspiracy/
- Published: 2026-01-05T11:09:29.000Z
- Updated: 2026-01-05T11:09:29.000Z
- Author: Graham Robson
- Tags: Europe

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.