A court in Paris has convicted ten individuals of cyber-harassment against France’s first lady, Brigitte Macron, after they circulated false allegations claiming she is a transgender woman who was born male, according to French media coverage.
Brigitte Macron and her husband, French President Emmanuel Macron, have repeatedly been targeted by unfounded rumours in recent years, including claims that she was born under the name Jean-Michel Trogneux, which is in fact the name of her elder brother, reports RTE.
The significant 24-year age difference between the presidential couple has also drawn criticism and sharp remarks that they initially ignored but have more recently begun to actively challenge through legal action.
The latest court decision represents a boost for the Macrons as they continue to pursue a high-profile US defamation lawsuit against right-wing influencer and podcaster Candace Owens, who has also alleged that Brigitte was born male, reports RTE.
Eight men and two women were convicted of posting malicious remarks about Brigitte Macron’s gender and sexuality, with some even comparing the age gap between her and her husband to “paedophilia”.
Those found guilty received sentences of up to eight months, with jail terms suspended, as reported by French media, reports RTE.
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