Ten people found guilty of cyberbullying France's first lady Brigitte Macron • FRANCE 24 English

Key Concepts

• Cyberbullying: The use of electronic communication to bully a person, typically by sending messages of an intimidating or threatening nature.
• Defamation: The action or crime of making false and damaging statements about someone.
• Freedom of Expression: The right to express one's opinions without censorship or restraint.
• Suspended Sentence: A prison sentence that is not immediately carried out, allowing the convicted person to remain free under certain conditions.
• Digital Crimes: Criminal activities carried out using computers and the internet.

French Court Verdict on Cyberbullying of Brigitte Macron

A Paris court has convicted 10 individuals of cyberbullying related to the dissemination of false claims about French First Lady Brigitte Macron, specifically the assertion that she was born male. The judge delivered an “unequivocal” verdict, issuing suspended prison sentences ranging from four to eight months for each defendant. These sentences are conditional, meaning they will only be served if further offenses are committed.

In addition to the suspended sentences, the court imposed a six-month suspension on the defendants’ use of social media accounts, reflecting the severity of the shared content. All ten individuals are also required to complete training focused on raising awareness of online behavior and preventing digital crimes, including cyber harassment.

Damages and Financial Penalties

The court acknowledged and validated the damages suffered by Brigitte Macron, specifically recognizing the “recognizable degradation to her mental health” caused by the harassment. As a result, she was awarded €10,000 in damages, to be collectively paid by the accused. Each defendant was also ordered to pay a fine of €600. The defendants have a 10-day window to appeal the verdict, and it is anticipated that several will pursue this option.

Previous Legal Battles and Ongoing Cases

This verdict follows a prior guilty judgment against two individuals in late 2024 for defamation, a verdict which was subsequently overturned on appeal in 2025. The appeal court’s decision highlighted the complex legal area where freedom of expression intersects with an individual’s right to protection from defamation and harassment. Defendants in the current trial argued their comments constituted legitimate information sharing, protected under freedom of expression, or were intended as satire.

The Macron couple is currently appealing the overturning of the initial defamation verdict. A further legal battle is underway against American commentator Candace Owens, who has published videos and a book titled “Becoming Breijgit” that amplified the initial false claims originating from French right-wing influencers. This content has received significant publicity in France, prompting the Macrons to initiate legal action against Owens.

Legal Considerations: Freedom of Expression vs. Harassment

The case underscores the ongoing legal challenges in balancing freedom of expression with the need to protect individuals from online harassment and defamation. The initial defamation verdict being overturned demonstrates the difficulty in defining the boundaries between protected speech and harmful falsehoods, particularly in the context of online discourse. The judge’s clear statement regarding the damages suffered by Brigitte Macron emphasizes the court’s recognition of the real-world impact of cyberbullying and the importance of holding perpetrators accountable.