Why Is Brigitte Macron Taking Legal Action Again?
France’s First Lady, Brigitte Macron, has escalated her legal battle to the country’s highest appeals court after a Paris court overturned the convictions of two women accused of spreading a false claim that she was born male. According to her lawyer Jean Ennochi, the appeal to the Court of Cassation comes after the Paris appeals court ruled last Thursday to dismiss the earlier libel convictions.
The case stems from a viral YouTube video posted in December 2021, where Amandine Roy, a self-proclaimed spiritual medium, interviewed Natacha Rey, who describes herself as an independent journalist. During the four-hour video, Rey alleged that Brigitte Macron was originally a man named Jean-Michel Trogneux, who later transitioned and married Emmanuel Macron. Trogneux is, in reality, Brigitte Macron’s brother.
What Were the Original Court Rulings?
In September last year, a lower court found Roy and Rey guilty of libel and ordered them to pay €8,000 (around $9,400) in damages to Brigitte Macron and an additional €5,000 to her brother, Jean-Michel Trogneux. These rulings were seen as a significant pushback against disinformation campaigns that have increasingly targeted public figures in Europe.
However, the recent decision by the Paris appeals court overturned that ruling, effectively clearing the two women. The move prompted both Brigitte Macron and her brother to seek a final ruling from the Court of Cassation, France’s top court for civil and criminal matters.
What Is the Impact of the Claims on Public Discourse?
False claims about Brigitte Macron’s gender have circulated for years on social media and conspiracy forums, particularly in France and the United States. The narrative has been fueled by her age difference with President Emmanuel Macron, who is 24 years younger.
The allegations gained traction among online conspiracy communities and continue to resurface despite being debunked. By taking the case to the Court of Cassation, Macron’s legal team hopes to reaffirm the seriousness of spreading baseless personal attacks under the guise of independent journalism.
By Risper Akinyi
