Brigitte Macron Faces Court Over Baseless Gender Conspiracy
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A French court is hearing testimony in the case of Brigitte Macron, the First Lady of France, who is defending herself against years of online harassment fueled by a persistent and demonstrably false conspiracy theory alleging she was born male. The trial, which began at the Paris criminal court in late October 2025, centers on the actions of ten individuals accused of sexist and transphobic harassment.
The case highlights the escalating problem of online disinformation and its real-world consequences, even reaching the highest levels of government. According to reports, the unfounded rumors have even been a topic of discussion during state dinners, with foreign leaders reportedly aware of the allegations.
Years of Targeted Abuse
The bizarre narrative first surfaced in 2017 and has since spread widely online, causing significant distress to Macron and her family. Family and friends testified that the constant attacks have been deeply unsettling for Emmanuel Macron’s wife. A former Justice Minister, Éric Dupond-Moretti, publicly commented on the severity of the harassment, revealing that Macron expressed fear of public scrutiny regarding her appearance. “Macron was even afraid that ‘her pants would bulge in public,’” he stated to RTL Radio.
The public prosecutor described the campaign against Macron as a “disgusting hunt,” emphasizing the malicious intent behind the accusations. The ten defendants – eight men and two women, aged between 41 and 60 – face charges related to the sustained online abuse.
The Impact on France’s First Lady
Documents obtained by Le Monde reveal the profound impact the allegations have had on Macron. “All these allegations have a strong impact on those around me and on myself. I have not been abroad once without being asked about it. There isn’t a single spouse of a head of state who doesn’t know about it,” she reportedly stated. This underscores the pervasive nature of the conspiracy and its intrusion into diplomatic circles.
The investigation has been complicated by the anonymity often employed by those spreading the misinformation, as well as the sheer volume of false claims.
Presidential Response and Ongoing Legal Battles
President Emmanuel Macron addressed the issue in March 2024, expressing his anguish over the situation. “The worst thing is the false accusations and the made-up scenarios and that people believe in them. It hurts and hits you to the core,” he said.
Adding another layer to the controversy, US influencer Candace Owens is also facing a separate defamation lawsuit for publicly promoting the false claims about Macron’s gender. The legal proceedings against Owens are ongoing.
This case serves as a stark reminder of the damaging effects of online disinformation and the importance of holding individuals accountable for spreading harmful falsehoods. The outcome of the trial could set a precedent for addressing similar cases of online harassment and the protection of public figures from baseless attacks.
