Two Women on Trial for Defamation After Claiming French First Lady Brigitte Macron is Transgender

The trial has commenced for two women accused of spreading false allegations that Brigitte Macron, France’s First Lady, was transgender.

Brigitte Macron had filed a defamation lawsuit after a YouTube video surfaced in December 2021, just weeks before France’s 2022 presidential election, claiming she was previously a man named “Jean-Michel.”

In Paris, Amandine Roy, identified as a spiritual medium, appeared in court while Natacha Rey, the journalist who conducted the interview with Roy but did not attend, cited illness.

Roy defended herself by stating she had simply accommodated Rey’s wish to share her research, which allegedly spanned three years and aimed to expose what Rey called a “state lie” and “scam.”

The claims quickly spread on social media, alleging Brigitte Macron’s non-existence and linking her with fabricated accusations of child abuse.

Despite Roy’s assertion of thorough research, mainstream media did not validate these assertions. Brigitte Macron’s lawyer emphasized the widespread harm caused, demanding compensation totaling 20,000 euros.

The trial highlights the ramifications of misinformation in the digital age, underscoring the importance of verifying information before dissemination.

Brigitte Macron and her brother were not present in court, but their legal team continues to push for accountability amid what they describe as significant reputational damage.