A Paris court has sent a powerful message against online hate, convicting ten individuals for cyber-harassing France’s First Lady, Brigitte Macron. Eight men and two women, aged 41 to 65, were found guilty of a relentless campaign of malicious comments targeting her gender and sexuality, even equating her age difference with President Macron to “paedophilia.”
For years, Brigitte Macron, 72, and her husband Emmanuel, 48, have faced intense scrutiny. But the online abuse escalated with fabricated allegations that she was born male, circulating widely on social media. While the Macrons initially tried to ignore the falsehoods, the constant barrage took a severe toll. Brigitte’s daughter, Tiphaine Auziere, bravely testified in court, detailing the “deterioration” of her mother’s life and the profound impact on their entire family, including Macron’s grandchildren.
The court delivered various sentences, including suspended prison terms and an order for one defendant to attend a course against hate speech. This ruling marks a significant step in holding individuals accountable for their actions online.
Speaking out, Brigitte Macron expressed her hope that her determined fight would serve as a vital example. “A birth certificate is not nothing,” she told French television, emphasizing the fundamental importance of identity. She aims to empower adolescents to combat cyberbullying, underscoring that she must “set an example.”
This legal victory in Paris is part of a broader effort; the Macrons are also pursuing a high-profile defamation lawsuit in the United States against right-wing influencer Candace Owens for similar baseless claims. This collective action highlights a growing global pushback against the spread of harmful online disinformation and harassment, proving that truth and justice can prevail even in the digital age.
