Brigitte Macron's Cyberbullying Case Set for Trial in 2025
Brigitte Macron, the First Lady of France, has filed a complaint against four men accused of cyber-harassment, with a trial scheduled for July 10, 2025, at the Paris Criminal Court. The complaint, lodged in August, alleges that the accused made numerous sexist remarks regarding her gender, sexuality, and the age difference with her husband, President Emmanuel Macron, framing it inappropriately as akin to pedophilia. The Paris prosecutor's office confirmed the details of the case, highlighting the serious nature of the allegations.
Among those charged is Aurélien Poirson-Atlan, known on social media as 'Zoé Sagan.' He has faced multiple complaints and is often associated with conspiracy theories. The other three defendants include Jean-Luc M., Bertrand S., and Jean-Christophe D., all of whom will also face charges of cyberbullying. The prosecutor's office noted that while the alleged harassment is deemed sexist, it does not constitute an aggravating circumstance under the law.
Legal Proceedings and Political Implications
The investigation into the cyberbullying claims was assigned to the Brigade for the Suppression of Crimes against Persons (BRDP). Brigitte Macron's complaint falls under the category of cyberbullying, which carries a potential penalty of up to two years in prison. Following the arrests, Poirson-Atlan's lawyer, Juan Branco, criticized the actions of the Paris prosecutor's office, suggesting that there is a politically motivated agenda behind the arrests. He stated, 'Press offences should not be subject to physical constraints,' indicating a concern over the implications of political influence in legal matters.
The Spread of Misinformation
The trial will also address the spread of false information that has circulated since Emmanuel Macron's election in 2017. One persistent rumor claims that Brigitte Macron, born Trogneux, does not exist and that her brother Jean-Michel assumed her identity after transitioning. This conspiracy theory gained traction following a viral YouTube video in 2021, leading to defamation convictions for two women involved in promoting the narrative. The misinformation has not only affected France but has also spread internationally, particularly among far-right circles in the United States during election cycles.
This case highlights the ongoing issues of cyberbullying and the impact of misinformation in the digital age, particularly against public figures.
