Trial Opens in Paris Against Ten Accused of Cyberharassment Targeting Brigitte Macron

A significant trial commenced on October 27, 2025, in Paris involving ten individuals accused of online harassment against Brigitte Macron, the First Lady of France. The defendants, aged between 41 and 60, include professionals such as teachers, advertisers, journalists, a computer scientist, and an elected official. The harassment centers on false and defamatory claims that Brigitte Macron is a transgender woman, coupled with derogatory references to the 24-year age difference between her and President Emmanuel Macron, framed as "paedophilia."

This cyberharassment campaign gained traction through viral misinformation, notably propagated by Delphine Jegousse, also known as Amandine Roy, who has a history of spreading these baseless rumors via her YouTube channel. The chief judge highlighted that the sustained online attacks had caused a deterioration in Brigitte Macron's mental and physical health, with some posts garnering tens of thousands of views.

The Macrons have pursued legal action against defamatory attacks before, including a defamation lawsuit filed in the United States earlier this year. Previously, they won a defamation case against Jegousse in France, although that ruling was later overturned on appeal. They are currently appealing to France's highest court. This trial reflects not only the personal toll of cyberharassment on the First Lady but also the broader rise of conspiracy theories targeting transgender individuals in France and internationally.

Experts say the case underscores challenges faced by public figures in combating online abuse, especially amid viral misinformation campaigns that fuel harassment and conspiracy theories.