Ten people were found guilty by a Paris court in connection with a persistent internet harassment campaign directed at Brigitte Macron, the First Lady of France.
According to reports by French media, the court ruled on Monday, January 5, 2026, that the defendants disseminated false and defamatory statements that Brigitte Macron is a transgender woman who was born male.
Similar conspiracy theories have plagued Brigitte Macron and her husband, President Emmanuel Macron, for years.
The idea that she was born Jean-Michel Trogneux—the name of her older brother—was one of the most persistent falsehoods.
Additionally, the Macrons’ 24-year age gap has been frequently mocked.
The couple has lately chosen to take legal action in response to what they claim are concerted smear attempts, after having previously mostly ignored the criticism.
