The defendants cited free expression after sharing jokes and conspiracy posts about Brigitte Macron’s identity
A French court has heard a case against ten defendants accused of spreading online rumors that President Emmaneul Macron’s wife, Brigitte, was born male, in proceedings that have revived a conspiracy theory long denied by France’s first lady.
The two-day trial in Paris – where the defendants are accused of cyberbullying – was attended by Macron’s daughter from her first marriage, Tiphaine Auzieres, who testified in her mother’s absence, according to a Politico report on Tuesday.
The defendants, ranging from a computer scientist to a disabled man “who spends a lot of time on Twitter,” were accused of posting messages mocking Macron’s alleged gender, claiming she was born under her brother’s name, and spreading conspiracy theories about a media cover-up. In court, they cited free expression, saying the posts were intended as satire or part of public debate.
Auzieres was the only witness to take the stand, testifying that her mother could not ignore the constant rumors and that the claims had made it “impossible” for her to lead a normal life. She said her mother had become cautious about her public appearances.
The rumors about Brigitte Macron surfaced in 2021 and were spread by two French women – an independent journalist and a self-proclaimed spiritual medium. Their Facebook posts and a YouTube interview gained traction, pushing the hashtag #JeanMichelTrogneux, which conspiracy theorists claimed was Macron’s real name. Jean-Michel Trogneux is actually her brother. In court, Auzieres said she had seen her uncle recently and that he was “doing very well.”
Macron sued the two women the following year for defamation and privacy violation, winning compensation.
American commentator Candace Owens was also mentioned during the trial, with several defendants admitting they had shared her videos or been influenced by her posts. Owens is being sued by the Macrons in a separate case in Delaware, US, over spreading similar claims online.
A verdict in the Paris case was expected later on Tuesday.
Emmanuel and Brigitte Macron have been married since 2007 and have repeatedly faced questions about their relationship. They met when he was a student at the Lycee la Providence in Amiens, where she taught. Brigitte, 24 years the French president’s senior, has three children from a previous marriage and seven grandchildren.
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