Court Verdict Looms in Brigitte Macron Cyberbullying Case Involving Ten Individuals
A Paris court is set to deliver a verdict on Monday regarding a significant cyberbullying case involving Brigitte Macron, the first lady of France. Ten individuals are accused of launching a campaign of online harassment targeting Macron, with repercussions affecting both her health and family life.
Details of the Cyberbullying Case
The defendants consist of eight men and two women, ranging in age from 41 to 60. They are charged with disseminating false information regarding Brigitte Macron’s gender and sexuality. Their online posts included claims that she was born a man and made inappropriate connections regarding the age difference between her and her husband, President Emmanuel Macron.
- Number of accused: 10 (8 men, 2 women)
- Age range: 41 to 60 years
- Maximum penalty: 2 years in prison if convicted
Impact on the Macron Family
Tiphaine Auzière, Brigitte Macron’s daughter, provided testimony about the detrimental effects the online harassment has had on her mother. She described a noticeable deterioration in Brigitte’s quality of life due to the hateful comments circulating online. Auzière emphasized that the distress caused by this harassment has affected their entire family, extending even to Emmanuel Macron’s grandchildren.
Defendant Delphine Jegousse, also known as Amandine Roy, allegedly played a crucial role in propagating these rumors. In 2021, she released a lengthy video on YouTube, which significantly contributed to the spread of misinformation about Brigitte Macron.
Defendants’ Response
Among the accused are a local politician, a teacher, and a computer specialist. Some defendants expressed that they intended their comments as humor or satire and were surprised by the legal actions taken against them. Their defense gives insight into a broader debate concerning freedom of expression versus the consequences of cyberbullying.
Background on the Macrons
The case highlights ongoing conspiracy theories surrounding Brigitte Macron, including unfounded claims that she was born Jean-Michel Trogneux, the name of her brother. The Macrons, who have been married since 2007, first met at a school where she taught and he was a student. The couple’s age difference of 24 years has often been a focal point of public discussion and scrutiny.
In addition to this case, the Macrons have initiated a defamation lawsuit in the United States against conservative commentator Candace Owens, seeking to combat misinformation spread about them.
As the ruling date approaches, the outcome of this case could set a significant precedent regarding cyberbullying, particularly involving public figures.
