Trial of Defendants Accused of Harassing Brigitte Macron Begins

The trial of ten individuals accused of cyber-harassment against Brigitte Macron, the wife of French President Emmanuel Macron, commenced in Paris, igniting a broader discussion about the limits of free speech in France. The defendants face allegations of promoting a years-long campaign of online harassment that includes false claims about Brigitte Macron’s gender identity, asserting that she was born “a man.”

Over two days of proceedings, the court heard emotional testimonies, including one from Brigitte Macron’s youngest daughter, Tiphaine Auzière, who detailed the profound impact of the harassment on her mother’s health and well-being. The defendants, comprising eight men and two women aged between 41 and 60, argued that their posts were intended as humor or social commentary, rather than malicious attacks.

The roots of this controversy trace back to 2017 when a rumor circulated within far-right and conspiracy theory circles, claiming that Brigitte Macron is actually her brother, Jean-Michel Trogneux. During the trial, many defendants maintained that the few posts they made were harmless. One accused, an IT specialist, characterized his account as “tiny” and stated, “We don’t think Mrs Macron reads our tweets.”

Another defendant, Aurélien Poirson-Atlan, known as Zoé Sagan on social media, asserted that his comments fell under the “right to satire.” His legal representative described the case as “a trial about freedom of expression,” suggesting that it serves as a cautionary example for those engaging in similar discourse online.

Brigitte Macron did not attend the trial but was represented by her legal team. In a statement read in court, she described the attacks as “odious” and highlighted their significant emotional toll. Auzière, appearing before a crowded courtroom, shared how the ongoing online abuse has led her mother to live in a constant state of vigilance, fearful of public appearances being misrepresented or ridiculed.

Prosecutors identified three individuals as the main instigators of the harassment, while others were categorized as followers with less influence. They requested suspended prison sentences ranging from three to twelve months, alongside fines of up to €8,000 for nine of the defendants. The most severe punishment sought was directed at Poirson-Atlan, identified as a principal instigator of the false narrative.

In response, Brigitte Macron’s legal team demanded €15,000 in damages, arguing that “freedom of expression is not without limits” and that humor should not excuse harmful behavior. They also referenced a separate defamation lawsuit filed in the United States against Candace Owens, who has been accused of amplifying the same false claims in her “Becoming Brigitte” video series. The Macron team indicated that they reserve the right to pursue additional legal actions related to new online posts.

The verdict in this high-profile case is anticipated on January 5, 2026, as the trial continues to draw attention to the intersections of free speech and the consequences of online harassment in contemporary society.