Paris Court Overturns Convictions in Brigitte Macron Gender Disinformation Case
PARIS — A Paris appeals court has overturned the convictions of two women previously found guilty of spreading viral false claims that Brigitte Macron, the wife of French President Emmanuel Macron, was born a man.
The case stemmed from a widely circulated YouTube video posted in December 2021, in which Amandine Roy, a self-styled spiritual medium, interviewed self-proclaimed journalist Natacha Rey. During the four-hour video, Rey alleged that Brigitte Macron was originally a man named Jean-Michel Trogneux, who is, in fact, Macron’s biological brother.
The video fueled conspiracy theories, including among far-right circles and social media users in the United States, prompting Brigitte Macron to file a defamation lawsuit.
A lower court in September 2023 had ordered Roy and Rey to pay €8,000 (approx. $9,400) in damages to Brigitte Macron and €5,000 to her brother. But in a ruling issued Thursday, the appeals court dismissed the libel charges.
Brigitte Macron’s lawyer, Jean Ennochi, confirmed Sunday that her brother is now pursuing the case further by appealing to France’s highest court, the Cour de Cassation.
Speculation about Brigitte Macron’s gender identity has circulated online for years, often tied to discussions about her 24-year age difference with President Macron.
Mutib Khalid is a skilled content writer and digital marketer with a knack for crafting compelling narratives and optimizing digital strategies. Excel in creating engaging content that drives results and enhances online presence. Passionate about blending creativity with data-driven approaches, Mutib Khalid helps brands connect with their audience and achieve their goals.