In a high‑profile legal decision that has drawn global attention, a Paris criminal court has found 10 people guilty of cyberbullying France’s first lady, Brigitte Macron, who is married to French President Emmanuel Macron. The case centered on malicious online attacks targeting Emmanuel Macron wife, including false allegations about Brigitte Macron’s gender and identity.
Background: Who Is Emmanuel Macron’s Wife, Brigitte Macron
Brigitte Macron, the wife of President Emmanuel Macron, has been a public figure in France since her husband’s election in 2017. Before entering public life, she was a teacher and first met Macron when he was a high school student, and she was leading an after-school drama club — a relationship that sparked attention due to their 24-year age gap.
Over the past few years, false online rumors have circulated claiming she was born male under the name “Jean‑Michel Trogneux,” which is actually the name of one of her brothers. These accusations — widely shared on social media — formed the basis of the cyberbullying charges brought against the defendants.
The Case: Cyberbullying and False Gender‑Related Accusations
On January 5, 2026, a court in Paris convicted 10 individuals — eight men and two women — over their roles in harassing Brigitte Macron online. The defendants had posted and shared “particularly degrading, insulting, and malicious” comments that falsely claimed President Macron’s wife was born male, and some also linked her marriage to questions about pedophilia because of the age difference with her husband.
The harassment was described by the court as a campaign of cyberbullying, not just opinion or satire, due to its repeated nature and malicious intent.
Sentences and Penalties
The court handed down a range of sentences to the convicted individuals in the case of Brigitte Macron Accusation:
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One defendant received a six‑month prison sentence (unsuspended).
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Eight others got suspended prison terms of up to eight months.
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All were ordered to attend cyberbullying awareness training courses.
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Several had bans placed on their social media use.
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The group was also ordered to pay €10,000 in damages to Brigitte Macron.
This ruling reflects France’s efforts to crack down on online harassment and to hold perpetrators accountable for spreading hateful and defamatory content.
Impact on the Macrons and Public Response
Brigitte Macron’s daughter testified during the trial about the emotional toll the harassment had taken on their family, explaining how false and persistent online lies damaged her mother’s well-being.
Brigitte Macron has publicly said she hopes the verdict will serve as a warning against cyberbullying, particularly for young people exposed to toxic online behavior.
The case has also overlapped with a separate defamation lawsuit in the United States filed by the Macron family against American commentator Candace Owens, who amplified similar false allegations about Brigitte Macron’s gender.
FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)
1. What was Brigitte Macron accused of?
Brigitte Macron was not legally accused of anything herself, but online conspiracy theories and rumors falsely claimed that Emmanuel Macron’s wife was born male. These claims were widely shared on social media, and several people were convicted of cyberbullying her because of these false accusations.
2. Who is Emmanuel Macron’s wife?
Brigitte Macron is the wife of French President Emmanuel Macron. Before becoming first lady, she worked as a teacher and met her husband at a school where she taught drama.
3. Why were people found guilty in this case?
Ten individuals were found guilty not just for sharing opinions, but for engaging in malicious, repetitive, and defamatory online harassment that violated French laws against cyberbullying and personal attacks online.
4. What kind of sentences did the cyberbullies receive?
Sentences ranged from suspended prison terms to training on cyberbullying awareness and some social media bans. One defendant received an actual prison sentence. The convicted individuals were also ordered to pay compensation to Brigitte Macron.
5. How did Brigitte Macron respond to the verdict?
Brigitte Macron expressed the hope that the case would help others understand the serious harm caused by online harassment. She has advocated for greater accountability for online conduct and wants her experience to discourage cyberbullying.
