Ten Face Trial in Paris for Cyberharassment of French First Lady

Ten people are on trial in Paris for cyberharassment targeting French First Lady Brigitte Macron, centered on unsubstantiated rumors alleging she was assigned male at birth. These false claims, amplified by far-right and conspiracy groups in France and the United States, have also criticized the couple's 24-year age difference, sometimes equating it with pedophilia. The lawsuit follows complaints filed by Brigitte Macron in 2024 and a defamation suit the presidential couple filed in the U.S. against conservative podcaster Candace Owens, who produced a documentary propagating these claims. Defendants include public figures linked to conspiracy theories, such as Aurélien Poirson-Atlan ("Zoe Sagan") and Delphine J. ("Amandine Roy"), who have been involved in prior related legal actions. If convicted, the defendants face up to two years in prison. The Macrons plan to present scientific and photographic evidence to counter these allegations and have taken a legal stance to deter further harassment and defamation.