A Paris court has delivered landmark verdicts in a high-profile cyber-harassment case targeting Brigitte Macron, France's First Lady, with 10 individuals receiving sentences ranging from suspended prison terms to mandatory anti-hate speech education. The January 2026 rulings conclude a legal battle against online campaigns spreading false claims about the 72-year-old's gender identity and personal life.
Presiding Judge Thierry Donard condemned the defendants' actions as "malicious, degrading and insulting," particularly rejecting baseless allegations about the presidential couple's relationship timeline. Emmanuel and Brigitte Macron's 24-year age difference has drawn public curiosity since his 2017 election, but recent years saw escalation into coordinated online attacks.
Three primary instigators received six-month social media bans alongside suspended sentences, while all convicted parties must complete hate speech prevention courses at personal expense. Brigitte Macron's lawyer Jean Ennochi emphasized the significance of account suspensions and rehabilitative measures in deterring future abuse.
The First Lady's daughter Tiphaine Auzière testified about the psychological toll on her mother, stating: "She's constantly having to pay attention to how she presents herself, knowing her image could be distorted." The Macron family has adopted an aggressive legal strategy against defamation, including a pending U.S. lawsuit against right-wing commentator Candace Owens.
This case establishes new precedents for combating cyber-harassment of public figures in France, reflecting growing global concerns about online misinformation campaigns targeting political families.
