Ten to Stand Trial Over Online Harassment of French First Lady Brigitte Macron

 

By Faith Jepleting 

 Ten people are set to stand trial in Paris today, accused of orchestrating an online harassment campaign targeting France’s First Lady, Brigitte Macron.

The defendants — eight men and two women, aged between 41 and 70 — face charges of cyberharassment, sexism, and spreading malicious falsehoods about Mrs. Macron’s gender and sexuality. The case stems from persistent online conspiracy theories falsely claiming that the First Lady was assigned male at birth — allegations that she and her husband, President Emmanuel Macron, have repeatedly denounced as false and deeply harmful.

According to French prosecutors, the accused circulated defamatory content through videos and social media posts that went viral between 2021 and 2024. Among those charged are well-known conspiracy influencers, including Aurélien Poirson-Atlan (who uses the alias Zoe Sagan) and a self-proclaimed medium known online as Amandine Roy.

Mrs. Macron filed a formal complaint in August 2024, prompting an investigation that led to arrests in December 2024 and February 2025. If convicted, the defendants could face up to two years in prison under French law.

The case marks a significant moment in France’s efforts to combat online abuse and misinformation. Authorities have increasingly sought to hold digital offenders accountable for harassment and defamation targeting public figures.

It also coincides with a separate lawsuit the Macrons have filed in the United States, aimed at media personalities accused of amplifying the same conspiracy theories abroad.

Observers say the outcome of the Paris trial could set an important precedent for how France tackles digital defamation and misinformation campaigns in the future.

---

Would you like me to make it sound more like a newswire release (e.g., AFP/Reuters style) or a feature article (for a newspaper or magazine)?