A court in Paris has punished 10 people for spreading false and harmful claims about France’s First Lady, Brigitte Macron. The verdict was announced on 5 January and sent a strong message against online harassment and misinformation.
For years, Brigitte Macron has been the target of cruel rumours on social media. Some people falsely claimed she is a transgender woman and was born male. Others spread lies saying she was born under the name Jean-Michel Trogneux, which is actually the name of her older brother. These claims have no truth, but they continued to circulate online.
The court found eight men and two women guilty of cyber-harassment. They were accused of posting malicious comments about Brigitte Macron’s gender and personal life. Some even made offensive remarks about the age difference between her and President Emmanuel Macron, comparing it to criminal behaviour. The court said these comments caused harm and crossed legal limits.
The punishments varied. One person was sentenced to six months in prison without suspension. Others received suspended jail sentences of up to eight months. Several offenders were fined, while some were ordered to attend special courses on cyber harassment and online responsibility. Five people were also banned from using the social media platform where they posted the abusive content.
Brigitte Macron and President Macron had mostly ignored such attacks in the past. However, in recent years, they decided to take legal action to stop the spread of lies and protect their dignity.
The case highlights the growing problem of online abuse and false information. The court’s decision is seen as a clear warning that spreading lies and targeting people online can lead to serious legal consequences. It also underlines the importance of respect, truth, and responsibility in the digital world.