Ten Found Guilty of Cyber-Bullying Brigitte Macron
Ten individuals have been found guilty of cyber-bullying Brigitte Macron, the wife of French President Emmanuel Macron, by a Paris court. The defendants faced serious accusations of spreading false information regarding her gender and sexuality, along with making derogatory remarks about the notable 24-year age gap between the couple.
Verdict and Sentences
– Most defendants received suspended prison sentences of up to eight months.
– One individual was imprisoned immediately for failing to appear in court.
– Some offenders had their social media accounts suspended.
The judge emphasized that the group of eight men and two women acted maliciously, producing online comments that were degrading and insulting to Brigitte Macron.
Previous Cases and Appeals
Two of the defendants, self-proclaimed journalist Natacha Rey and internet fortune-teller Amandine Roy, were previously convicted of slander in 2024 for claiming that France’s First Lady had never existed. Their outlandish assertion involved the allegation that her brother, Jean-Michel Trogneux, had changed gender and assumed her identity. They were later cleared on appeal, with the court ruling that stating someone had changed gender did not necessarily constitute an attack on their honour. The Macrons are now pursuing this matter in the high court of appeal.
Impact on Brigitte Macron and Her Family
Brigitte Macron’s lawyer, Jean Ennochi, stated post-verdict, The most important outcomes are the prevention courses and the suspension of some offenders’ accounts. This case has significantly impacted her family; Tiphaine Auzière, Brigitte Macron’s daughter from a previous marriage, revealed during the trial how cyber-bullying has adversely affected her mother’s health and living conditions. She explained that her mother has had to be cautious about her choice of outfits, aware that her image could be weaponized against her. Although Brigitte has learned to cope, Auzière noted the distress it has caused their grandchildren, who faced taunts at school.
Broader Implications and Ongoing Battles
Monday’s ruling in France may be a precursor to a much larger trial in the United States, where the Macrons have launched a defamation lawsuit against right-wing influencer Candace Owens. Owens has propagated conspiracy theories regarding the First Lady’s gender, explicitly stating that she would stake her entire professional reputation on the claim that Brigitte Macron is in fact a man.
Initially, the Macrons were advised to ignore such online gossip to prevent escalation. However, with the magnitude of the cyber attacks becoming undeniable, they decided to confront the conspiracy theories, even at the risk of exposing personal matters in a US court.
Conclusion
The case surrounding the guilty verdicts for cyber-bullying Brigitte Macron highlights the urgent need for accountability in online spaces. As the couple takes a stand against defamation and harassment, it serves as a reminder of the potential consequences of unchecked misinformation and the importance of protecting individuals against online abuse.