Brigitte Macron Battles a Relentless Fake News Storm
For the past four years, Brigitte Macron, the First Lady of France, has been caught in an extraordinary and persistent fake news controversy. It all started shortly after Emmanuel Macron won the presidency in 2017, when an absurd rumor began circulating online claiming that Brigitte Macron was actually a man, alleging she had undergone a gender transition and was secretly her brother, Jean-Michel Trogneux. Despite the factual existence of Jean-Michel, who is 80 years old, the conspiracy quickly gained traction, fueled by trolls and extremist networks both in France and abroad.
The story has now reached international attention, amplified by figures like American conservative influencer Candace Owens. For years, the couple has remained largely silent, issuing occasional denials or statements, but these efforts failed to quell the widespread misinformation. Instead, the rumors grew louder, spreading across social media platforms with photomontages, caricatures, and insulting messages aimed directly at the First Lady.
Also Read:Determined to put an end to this relentless harassment, Brigitte Macron finally took decisive legal action in August 2024, filing a complaint for cyberharassment. This move triggered a preliminary investigation by the French prosecutor’s office, focusing on charges of online harassment and incitement to commit an offense. In parallel, legal action was pursued in the United States, reflecting the international reach of the conspiracy.
This Monday and Tuesday, ten individuals, including the prominent online persona “Zoé Sagan,” are being tried in Paris for publishing or sharing material that perpetuated the rumor. These defendants are accused of posting jokes, insults, and doctored images that painted Brigitte Macron as someone she is not. The trial marks a significant step in the Macrons’ campaign to reclaim the truth and restore the First Lady’s reputation.
The case highlights not only the dangers of fake news in the digital age but also the personal toll it takes on public figures. Brigitte Macron’s legal action represents a broader effort to hold individuals accountable for online harassment and to demonstrate that persistent falsehoods, no matter how widely believed, can be challenged through the courts. It is a story of resilience, showing how even the most influential public figures can become targets of relentless misinformation—and how, finally, they are choosing to fight back.
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