Trial Opens for Cyber-Bullying Accused in Brigitte Macron Case

Thu Dec 11 2025 00:18:53 GMT+0200 (Eastern European Standard Time)

The trial for ten individuals accused of cyber-bullying Brigitte Macron, the wife of French President Emmanuel Macron, begins this week in Paris, amid serious implications surrounding gender and sexuality claims.

In Paris, ten defendants face trial for alleged sexist cyber-bullying against Brigitte Macron, involving unsubstantiated claims regarding her gender and sexuality. The accused include an elected official and a teacher, with potential prison sentences looming if convicted. The case highlights the disturbing rise of conspiracy theories targeting the French first lady, which have garnered attention on social media platforms.

Ten people accused of sexist cyber-bullying of the French president's wife, Brigitte Macron, are due to go on trial this week in Paris.

The defendants are accused of spreading unsubstantiated claims over her gender and sexuality, as well as making malicious remarks about the 24-year age gap between Brigitte and her husband, Emmanuel Macron.

If found guilty, the defendants face up to two years' imprisonment.

Among the ten people due to appear in the dock on Monday and Tuesday are an elected official, a gallery owner, and a teacher, according to French media.

Two individuals—self-styled independent journalist Natacha Rey and internet fortune-teller Amandine Roy—were previously found guilty of slander for claiming that France's first lady had never existed and that her brother had changed gender. A court of appeals later acquitted Rey and Roy, a decision the Macrons are appealing.

A conspiracy theory suggesting that Brigitte Macron is a transgender woman has circulated since her husband won office in 2017, gaining traction especially among certain social media influencers.

Last year, the Macrons filed a lawsuit against right-wing influencer Candace Owens for promoting false narratives about Brigitte, which the couple found distressing and distracting.

The couple first met when Mrs. Macron was Emmanuel Macron's teacher, and they married in 2007.