In a controversial ruling on July 10, an appeals court overturned the libel convictions of two women who spread claims that French First Lady Brigitte Macron was formerly a man.
Brigitte Macron, undeterred by the setback, announced on Monday, July 14, that she will escalate the case to France’s highest appeals court, the Court of Cassation, according to her lawyer.
The saga revolves around longstanding social media rumor questioning the 72-year-old first lady’s gender, frequently linked to criticisms of her 24-year age difference with President Emmanuel Macron.
In December 2021, Brigitte Macron initiated libel proceedings against Amandine Roy, a self-proclaimed spiritual medium, and Natacha Rey, who styles herself as an independent journalist.
The duo’s four-hour YouTube video alleged a grand “state lie” and “scam,” claiming Brigitte was originally Jean-Michel Trogneux who had undergone gender transition surgery prior to marrying the president.
The content, which included purported details on family matters and surgery, exploded in popularity, resonating even within U.S. tabloids.
Initially, a lower court in September of last year ruled in Macron’s favor, requiring the women to pay €8,000 in damages. But the appeals court reversed course last Thursday, deeming the defendants’ actions as made in “good faith” despite their inaccuracy, thereby waiving all penalties.
This latest appeal to the Court of Cassation signals Brigitte Macron’s determination to hold purveyors of such rumors responsible. Meanwhile, the first lady continues to fight legal battles against her perceived harassers: Four men, including Facebook publicist Aurélien Poirson-Atlan (known as “Zoé Sagan” online), are set for trial in Paris this October on charges of targeted torment.
These gender disinformation campaigns are part of a broader trend afflicting high-profile women, with similar unfounded attacks leveled against figures like former U.S. First Lady Michelle Obama, Vice President Kamala Harris, and New Zealand’s ex-Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern, raising concerns about the erosion of truth in public discourse.
In the end, as Brigitte Macron drags this circus to France’s top court, one can’t help but chuckle at the Streisand effect turning this into a national spectacle.
Perhaps if she focused less on suing spiritual mediums and more on explaining why her hubby looks like he’s dating his former teacher (he is) these “state lies” wouldn’t keep transitioning into endless entertainment for the rest of us skeptics. Vive la farce!
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