Overview
- Ten defendants are on trial in Paris for alleged “moral harassment by electronic means” after spreading or reposting the false claim that Brigitte Macron was born a man named Jean‑Michel Trogneux, a rumor contradicted by birth records.
- Tiphaine Auzière testified that the conspiracy has damaged her mother’s health, dignity and daily life, saying the first lady now scrutinizes how she dresses and stands and that the attacks have distressed her grandchildren.
- In closing arguments, the prosecutor asked for suspended sentences and highlighted three defendants with larger online followings as warranting tougher punishment.
- Defendants deny wrongdoing, saying they mostly reposted material, had modest audiences, or meant satire, while the court must decide whether the posts harmed the first lady’s living conditions and health; a verdict is expected Jan. 5.
- The rumor traces back to a 2021 item in the niche newsletter Faits et Documents and later gained U.S. traction via commentator Candace Owens, whom the Macrons sued for defamation in Delaware in July; that civil case remains active.