Paris court begins trial of 10 accused of cyberbullying France’s First Lady Brigitte Macron with false gender claims

A landmark cyberbullying trial opened in Paris on October 27, 2025, where eight men and two women stand accused of spreading a false and defamatory rumor that Brigitte Macron, France’s First Lady, was born male — an allegation that originated from far-right conspiracy circles in 2021 and has since been thoroughly debunked by her representatives with medical documentation.

The defendants, facing potential two-year prison sentences and heavy fines under France’s strict defamation and cyberharassment laws, allegedly orchestrated a coordinated online campaign targeting Macron’s gender identity, causing what prosecutors described as “profound moral and physical suffering” for the 70-year-old.

Court documents and testimony cited by BBC and Daily Mail reveal that the First Lady suffered significant emotional distress and health deterioration as the falsehoods gained traction on social media. Her lawyers described the campaign as an “organized digital assault” blending misogyny, political extremism, and transphobia, with some content creators monetizing the rumor for views and donations.

The accompanying viral image from the courtroom shows Brigitte Macron in a formal blue suit, her composed demeanor contrasting with the deeply personal nature of the case. Inside the courtroom, prosecutors argued that the case represents a test of how France enforces digital accountability amid rising online extremism.

Public reaction to the case has rippled far beyond France. In Nigeria, where the post attracted 4,468 views and 54 replies, many users contrasted France’s firm stance with what they perceive as lenient local cybercrime enforcement. Some praised the French judiciary for “protecting women from slander,” while others joked that if similar standards were applied in Nigeria, “half of X would be in prison.”

The trial, expected to last two weeks, could set a major precedent for European laws on digital defamation and gender-based harassment, particularly as global debates continue over the limits of free speech versus online harm.

For Brigitte Macron, the proceedings mark not just a legal battle, but a symbolic stand against the relentless personal attacks that often target women in political life.