Brigitte Macron Faces Defamation Case Over Transgender Rumors
Brigitte Macron's Legal Battle Against Misinformation
Brigitte Macron, the wife of French President Emmanuel Macron, has become the target of misleading rumors suggesting she is a transgender individual. This unsubstantiated claim has gained traction online, particularly in the far-right circles of the United States. Recently, a Paris court ruled against two women responsible for propagating this false narrative.
Details of the Court Ruling
- The women were convicted of public defamation.
- They faced a fine of 500 euros suspended, along with a total of 8,000 euros in damages to Brigitte Macron.
- Brigitte and her brother, Jean-Michel Trogneux, were parties in the case.
This misinformation resurfaced frequently on social media since Emmanuel Macron's election in 2017, creating a false belief that Brigitte, born Trogneux, did not actually exist as she was presented. Instead, some alleged that Jean-Michel took on her identity after undergoing gender transition, framing this as a major state deception.
During the trial, underlining the significance of social media influence, the women participated in a lengthy YouTube interview to promote their claims in 2021. Their statements included dubious personal details about Brigitte Macron and falsely asserted her non-maternity to her children.
Wider Implications of the Ruling
The dissemination of such harmful misinformation has implications beyond France, echoing issues faced by other female political figures internationally. Notable figures suffering from similar transphobic rumors include former First Lady Michelle Obama and current Vice President Kamala Harris.
This article was prepared using information from open sources in accordance with the principles of Ethical Policy. The editorial team is not responsible for absolute accuracy, as it relies on data from the sources referenced.