A French court is currently presiding over a trial involving ten defendants accused of spreading online rumors that Brigitte Macron, wife of President Emmanuel Macron, was born male. The case has drawn significant attention due to the personal impact of the conspiracy theories on Brigitte’s public life, with her daughter testifying in court about the situation.
The defendants, who include a range of individuals from a computer scientist to a disabled man who frequently uses Twitter, have cited free speech as their defense, arguing that their posts were intended as satire or part of public debate. The trial has brought attention to the ongoing nature of the conspiracy theories, which had originated in 2021 and were initially spread by two French women, an independent journalist and a spiritual medium. The court is set to deliver its verdict later on Tuesday.
Brigitte Macron, the wife of President Emmanuel Macron, has been a public figure since her marriage to the president in 2007. The rumors about her gender, which surfaced in 2021, have caused significant personal and professional challenges for both Brigitte and her family. Her daughter, Tiphaine Auzieres, has been a key witness in the trial, describing how the rumors have impacted her mother’s ability to lead a normal life.
The case was initially brought to light by two French women who spread the conspiracy theories on social media, leading to widespread online discussions. The Macron family has taken legal action against these individuals for defamation and privacy violations, with Brigitte Macron personally receiving compensation in one instance. Additionally, American commentator Candace Owens has been mentioned in the trial, with several defendants admitting to being influenced by her posts.
The trial, which has been ongoing for two days, is expected to result in a verdict by the end of Tuesday. The legal proceedings have underscored the persistent nature of online misinformation and its potential to affect public figures’ lives. The ruling could set a precedent for how such conspiracy theories are addressed in French courts, particularly in relation to free speech and privacy rights.
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