Brigitte Macron 'Born a Man' Conspiracy Theory: French Court Acquits Alleged Defamers

French Court Acquits Women in Brigitte Macron 'Born a Man' Defamation Case

A Paris court has overturned a previous ruling, acquitting two women who were accused of defaming French First Lady Brigitte Macron by propagating a conspiracy theory that she was "born a man."

Background of the Case

Amandine Roy and Natacha Rey, a blogger, had their convictions successfully appealed. The court determined that they had the right to express their allegations, which included the claim that Brigitte Macron was originally named Jean-Michel Trogneux and that her first husband was a fabrication.

Court's Decision

The appeal court stated that the women's statements were made in "good faith." The initial lawsuit was filed by Macron in January 2022, and a lower court had previously ordered Roy and Rey to pay damages. This ruling has now been overturned.

Macron's Response

Macron's legal team has indicated that she intends to appeal the decision to France's Cassation Court.

Wider Context

This ruling comes amidst increasing attacks against Brigitte Macron, both in France and abroad. These attacks are fueled by a controversial book and amplified by commentators. Furthermore, four men are facing a separate trial for cyber-harassment related to similar allegations against the French First Lady.