Paris court finds 10 guilty of transphobic harassment of Brigitte Macron

On January 5, a Paris court found 10 people guilty of online harassment and defamation against French First Lady Brigitte Macron. They spread false claims that Brigitte Macron is a trans woman.

According to Reuters, Brigitte Macron and her husband — French President Emmanuel Macron — have become the target of such disinformation campaigns in recent years. The 24-year age difference between the couple has also been the subject of frequent harassment and mockery.

Although the Macrons have long ignored these attacks, they have recently preferred legal action. A court ruling issued in early 2026 has strengthened their position. The couple has also filed a defamation lawsuit against US right-wing influencer and podcaster Candace Owens. Owens also claimed that Brigitte Macron is a trans woman.

A court has found eight men and two women guilty of making harmful comments about Brigitte Macron's gender and sexual identity, as well as equating the age difference between her and her husband with pedophilia. They were given suspended sentences of up to eight months.

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