Ten on Trial in Paris for Cyberbullying French First Lady Brigitte Macron

Ten individuals are on trial in Paris for cyberharassment against French First Lady Brigitte Macron, accused of spreading false claims that she is transgender and malicious remarks about her age difference with President Emmanuel Macron. The defendants, including an elected official, a teacher, and a gallery owner, face allegations linked to conspiracy theories that have dogged the first lady for years, notably propagated by figures like Amandine Roy and Natacha Rey. The harassment campaign, amplified by right-wing influencers in the U.S., led the Macrons to file defamation lawsuits both in France and the United States, describing the accusations as a "campaign of global humiliation". Previous convictions of some accused were overturned on appeal, prompting the Macrons to seek further legal recourse at France's highest court. The trial underscores the ongoing battle against misinformation and online abuse targeting public figures, with potential penalties including up to two years imprisonment. The case has drawn international attention, highlighting the challenges of combating cyberbullying and defamatory narratives in the digital age.