French Court to Issue Verdicts in Brigitte Macron Cyberbullying Case
A court in Paris is set to deliver judgments against ten individuals accused of cyberbullying Brigitte Macron, the spouse of France's president. The case centers on the extensive online dissemination of false claims about her gender and personal life, including persistent rumors alleging she was assigned male at birth.
The defendants, comprising eight men and two women between the ages of 41 and 60, are accused of making malicious online statements regarding Macron's gender identity and her age difference with President Emmanuel Macron. Some of the defamatory allegations even referenced pedophilia. These allegations have reportedly caused significant distress to Macron and her family, influencing their private and public lives.
The origins of the rumors trace back to the period following Emmanuel Macron's election in 2017. Among those facing charges is a well-known conspiracy theorist in France and a woman who has presented herself as both a medium and advertising professional. The latter's social media account was suspended after she played a significant role in spreading these conspiracies online.
Prosecutors have requested suspended prison sentences ranging from three to twelve months, as well as fines of up to EUR8,000 for those found guilty. The prosecution emphasized the serious consequences of spreading such falsehoods, not only for the individuals targeted but for wider public discourse and social cohesion.
Brigitte Macron, in her initial statements to investigators, expressed that these false claims have had a profound effect on her and her family, especially her grandchildren who have been confronted with rumors regarding their grandmother's identity. Her daughter also noted the impact on Macron's health, highlighting the ongoing strain of public scrutiny and repeated questioning of her identity.
The case has gained international attention, as Brigitte Macron and President Emmanuel Macron are simultaneously pursuing legal action in the United States. The couple has filed a defamation lawsuit in Delaware against an American social media influencer known for promoting right-wing views, who repeated the same false claims regarding Macron's gender. The lawsuit alleges that these statements were made deliberately and with knowledge of their falsehood, contributing to a worldwide campaign of humiliation targeting the French First Lady.
In the complaint, the Macrons argue that these accusations have resulted in an invasive and dehumanizing global campaign against them. The influencer in question has continued to assert the claims even after the lawsuit was filed.
The situation highlights a broader pattern, as other prominent women in the public eye, such as Michelle Obama, have also been subjected to similar conspiracy theories and sexist attacks online. These cases illustrate the challenges faced by public figures, particularly women, in combating misinformation and personal attacks in the digital age.
The upcoming verdict in Paris is expected to set an important precedent in addressing online harassment and the responsibilities of individuals in spreading unfounded and damaging conspiracy theories. Legal experts and digital rights advocates are closely monitoring the outcome, which could influence future cases involving online defamation and cyberbullying in France and beyond.