Ten Convicted in Cyberbullying Case Against France’s First Lady

On Monday, a Paris judiciary found ten individuals guilty of online harassment directed at Brigitte Macron, the wife of France's President.

Those accused received various sentences, ranging from mandated participation in cyberbullying awareness programs to eight-month suspended incarcerations.

The court emphasized the severity of the allegations, highlighting the presence of “particularly degrading and harmful” remarks tied to fictional claims about Brigitte Macron’s gender identity and unfounded accusations of pedophilia.

Impact on the First Lady's Life

Although Brigitte Macron did not attend the October proceedings, she had expressed on national television her decision to take legal action aimed to set a precedent against harassment. Her daughter underscored the adverse impact the baseless online attacks had on the family's life and dynamics.

The court heard from her daughter that the relentless online vitriol not only affected Brigitte Macron’s wellbeing but also extended its reach to the family, including her grandchildren.

The Defendants and Their Claims

Among the convicted were eight males and two females, aged between 41 and 65. They faced charges relating to fabricating malicious online posts alleging that the First Lady was originally a male and falsely linking her age difference with her spouse to inappropriate behavior.

Some of these defamatory posts had garnered significant online viewership. The defendants included a notable influencer, Delphine Jegousse, who is known online as Amandine Roy. Her extended YouTube broadcast in 2021 was noted for its role in disseminating these fallacies.

Other accused individuals included a public servant, an educator, and a tech expert. While some dismissed their comments as attempts at humor or satire, arguing lack of malicious intent, they faced potential penalties of up to two years imprisonment.

Background of the False Allegations

The allegations originated from unfounded conspiracy theories claiming Brigitte Macron was once Jean-Michel Trogneux, which is actually her brother's name. Such narratives have persisted for years, prompting legal action by the Macrons even beyond France.

The high-profile couple's past is well-documented; Emmanuel Macron, considerably younger than his wife, met Brigitte when she was his high school educator. Their relationship has frequently attracted media attention due to their age difference.