A Paris court has convicted ten people for cyberbullying France’s first lady, Brigitte Macron, after they spread false claims about her gender and sexuality. The ruling, delivered in the French capital, targets coordinated online harassment that accused Macron of being “born a man.” The decision signals a firmer legal response to misinformation and abuse directed at high-profile figures.
The Case and the Verdict
Judges found that the defendants circulated false and harmful assertions about the first lady across social networks. The court said the messages were part of a pattern of harassment designed to damage her reputation and dignity. Prosecutors argued the posts were shared widely and with intent to harm.
“A Paris court has found 10 people guilty of cyberbullying France’s first lady, Brigitte Macron, by spreading false online claims about her gender and sexuality, including allegations she was born a man.”
The court concluded that the claims were untrue and defamatory. It emphasized the legal duty to protect individuals from targeted online attacks, even when they are public figures. Sentencing details were not immediately disclosed.
What French Law Says About Online Harassment
France treats repeated online harassment as a criminal offense. The penal code allows fines and prison terms when messages are coordinated or cause serious harm. Penalties increase in cases with aggravating factors, such as sustained campaigns or large audiences.
Authorities encourage victims to report abuse through national channels, including the government’s online reporting platform. Police and prosecutors have gained new tools in recent years to track coordinated activity and verify authorship of posts.
Background: Public Figures and Misinformation
Brigitte Macron has been the target of persistent rumors, amplified by social media. Such claims gain traction through viral posts and echo chambers. Falsehoods can spread quickly and linger, even after debunking.
Legal experts say the case reflects a growing effort to hold individuals accountable for coordinated digital abuse. Advocates for victims argue that rapid reporting and swift enforcement help limit harm. Digital rights groups, meanwhile, call for clear legal thresholds to protect free expression while punishing harassment.
Free Speech, Accountability, and the Online Public Square
The verdict highlights the tension between speech rights and protections against defamation and harassment. Courts in France have repeatedly affirmed that free expression does not shield targeted abuse or false claims presented as fact. Public figures face intense scrutiny, but the law draws a line at sustained personal attacks and fabrications.
Defense arguments in similar cases often cite open debate and political commentary. Judges typically assess context, intent, and impact, including the scale of sharing and the potential for real-world harm.
Platforms Under Pressure
Social networks face growing scrutiny over how quickly they respond to reports of abuse. The European Union’s Digital Services Act requires large platforms to act on illegal content and be more transparent about moderation. This case adds pressure for faster takedowns and better tools against repeat offenders.
- Faster response to flagged content.
- Clearer rules against targeted harassment.
- Better cooperation with law enforcement.
Advocates say consistent enforcement is key. They argue that clearer penalties can deter future campaigns built on lies.
What Comes Next
The defendants may seek to appeal. If the ruling stands, it could become a reference point for future cases involving high-profile targets. Legal observers expect more prosecutions as authorities refine methods to trace coordinated activity.
The outcome also raises questions for platforms ahead of election cycles and other high-stakes events. Companies may expand moderation teams, improve detection of repeat abuse, and increase transparency reports.
The court’s decision marks a firm response to coordinated online harassment. It affirms that spreading false claims to damage a person’s reputation can carry legal consequences. Observers will watch for any appeal, sentencing details, and how platforms adapt their policies. For public figures and private citizens alike, the message is clear: online abuse can lead to convictions.
