French judges have postponed their verdict until January in the trial of ten individuals accused of orchestrating a sexist cyberbullying campaign against France’s First Lady, Brigitte Macron.
The defendants — eight men and two women — are charged with spreading malicious online comments about Macron’s gender and sexuality, and linking the 24-year age difference between her and President Emmanuel Macron to allegations of pedophilia.
Defendants Claim Humor and Satire
During hearings at a Paris court, the accused, including an elected official, a teacher, and a computer scientist, argued that their posts were intended as humor or satire. They expressed surprise at facing criminal charges.
On the second day of the trial, Brigitte Macron’s youngest daughter, Tiphaine Auzière, took the stand. She described the “devastating impact” the cyberbullying campaign has had on her mother’s life following false online claims that the First Lady is a man.
“She cannot ignore the horrible things said about her,” Auzière told the court. “Her life has completely changed since becoming the target of massive cyberbullying. It affects her children and grandchildren. They hear things at school like, ‘Your grandmother is a man.’ I don’t know how to make it stop.”
Persistent Rumors and Legal Battles
For several years, the Macrons have faced baseless conspiracy theories suggesting that Brigitte was born male under the name Jean-Michel Trogneux — the actual name of her brother.
Asked whether she had seen her uncle recently, Auzière replied, “I saw him a few months ago, and he was doing very well.”
The Macrons have also filed a defamation lawsuit in Delaware, USA, seeking substantial damages from American influencer Candace Owens if she continues to claim that Brigitte Macron is male.
Auzière told the French court that her mother’s images are frequently misused online. “Because of this, she now has to be cautious about her clothing, her posture, and her everyday movements,” she said.
Background of the Case
The investigation began after Brigitte Macron filed a complaint on August 27, 2024. Authorities arrested suspects in two waves — in December 2024 and February 2025 — targeting what investigators called “the most virulent” offenders.
If convicted, the accused face up to two years in prison.
Among those on trial is 41-year-old advertising executive Aurélien Poirson-Atlan, known on social media as “Zoé Sagan.” His now-suspended X (formerly Twitter) account has been linked to various conspiracy groups.
Another defendant, 51-year-old medium and self-proclaimed journalist Delphine J. (known online as Amandine Roy), played a key role in spreading the false rumor that Brigitte Macron, née Trogneux, was a transgender woman.
In September 2024, Delphine J. and independent journalist Natacha Rey were convicted of defamation and ordered to pay thousands of euros in damages to Brigitte Macron and €5,000 to her brother, Jean-Michel Trogneux. However, Delphine J. was later acquitted on appeal in July 2025.
Brigitte Macron and her brother have since filed an appeal with the French Court of Cassation against that ruling.
The court is expected to deliver its verdict in January 2026.
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