At a Glance
- 10 people found guilty of cyberbullying Brigitte Macron.
- Sentences range from 6 months prison to suspended 4-8 months; all must attend training.
- Court cited “particularly degrading, insulting, and malicious” false claims about her gender and age gap.
- Why it matters: The verdict shows a legal response to online harassment of a public figure.
The Paris court delivered its verdict Monday, convicting 10 individuals who spread false claims that Brigitte Macron was born a man and compared her 24-year age gap to pedophilia. The sentences range from prison to suspended terms, with mandatory cyberbullying training for all.
Verdict and Sentences
10 defendants, 8 men and 2 women, aged 41-65, were convicted. One defendant, a property asset manager, received a six-month prison sentence. Eight others received suspended sentences between four and eight months.
- One sentenced to 6 months prison (may be home confinement)
- Eight suspended sentences 4-8 months
- All mandated to attend cyberbullying awareness training
Court’s Rationale
The court described the comments as “particularly degrading, insulting, and malicious,” and noted that repeated publications had cumulative harmful effects. It emphasized the impact of false claims about Brigitte Macron‘s alleged trans identity and alleged pedophilia.
- False claim she was born a man
- Age gap likened to pedophilia
- Posts viewed tens of thousands of times
Reactions
Brigitte Macron stated:
> “I launched legal proceedings to set an example in the fight against harassment.”
Her daughter, Tiphaine Auzière, testified that the harassment had deteriorated her mother’s life and affected the family.
Tiphaine Auzière testified:
> “She cannot ignore the horrible things said about her. The impact has extended to the entire family, including Macron’s grandchildren.”
Jean Ennochi said:
> “What is important is that there are immediate cyberbullying awareness trainings, and for some of the defendants, a ban on using their social media accounts.”
Sentencing Details
| Sentence Type | Number | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| Prison | 1 | 6 months |
| Suspended | 8 | 4-8 months |
The judge noted that the sentences reflected the seriousness of the comments.
Key Takeaways
- 10 convicted of spreading false claims about Brigitte Macron.
- Sentences range from 6 months prison to suspended 4-8 months; all must attend training.
- Court highlighted cumulative harm of repeated online harassment.
The verdict underscores France’s commitment to protecting public figures from defamatory online attacks and sets a precedent for future cyberbullying cases.
