On October 28, 2025, ten individuals appeared in court in Paris, facing charges of cyber harassment against Brigitte Macron, the wife of French President Emmanuel Macron. They are accused of spreading false information, labeling her as transgender and suggesting she is actually her brother, Jean-Michel Trogneux, who is 80 years old. The prosecution has called for prison sentences ranging from three to twelve months, along with fines up to €8,000.

Details of the Case

The most severe recommendations were made against three defendants: Amandine Roy, Bertrand Scholler, and Aurélien Poirson-Atlan, who the prosecutor, Hervé Tétier, identified as the main instigators of the disinformation campaign. During the proceedings, Tiphaine Auzière, Brigitte Macron’s daughter and a lawyer aged 41, spoke out against the negative impact this situation has had on her mother’s health.

Auzière highlighted the emotional distress faced by her mother, stating that Brigitte is constantly on edge about how her image may be misrepresented. She emphasized the lasting impact of online harassment, lamenting about the systematic questioning of her mother’s identity and worth due to the persistent circulation of hateful narratives.

Consequences of Online Harassment

• Brigitte Macron is reportedly struggling with anxiety caused by ongoing rumors.
• Her grandchildren have faced uncomfortable questions regarding their grandmother’s gender identity.
• The sustained harassment has prompted the Macrons to seek legal action, both in France and the United States.

Over the past four years, these unfounded claims have circulated widely among conspiracy theorists, intensifying the scrutiny on Brigitte Macron.

Defendants’ Claims

Many of the accused have defended their actions by arguing for their right to free expression. Aurélien Poirson-Atlan, known online as Zoé Sagan, stated that satire is a vital part of French culture. He also controversially linked the age difference between Brigitte and Emmanuel Macron to inappropriate moral implications.

Another defendant, Delphine J., known as Amandine Roy, previously created a viral video falsely claiming that Brigitte Macron was a fictional character. The video, which has accumulated over 4 million views, played a significant role in amplifying the baseless rumors about her identity. Despite being previously condemned for defamation, she was acquitted during an appeal in July 2024.

International Aspects

The Macrons’ legal battles have gained international attention, especially after several defendants echoed claims made by American influencer Candace Owens. The couple has initiated legal proceedings against Owens for her contributions to the spread of these false narratives.

The ongoing case highlights the grave implications of digital harassment and the urgent need for accountability regarding the spread of misinformation. The courtroom proceedings continue to draw public interest as both legal and societal challenges unfold.