Ten individuals are facing potential two-year prison sentences each for allegedly engaging in sexist cyberbullying targeting Brigitte Macron, the first lady of France. Seven of the accused individuals appeared in court today, charged with harassing Ms. Macron to the extent that it significantly impacted her physical and mental well-being.
The defendants, consisting of one woman and six men, are accused of spreading false information about the 72-year-old, claiming she was originally male and accusing her of being a pedophile who mistreated her husband, President Emmanuel Macron, during his youth. If found guilty of cyberbullying Ms. Macron, all individuals could be sentenced to two years in prison.
Although ten people have been charged, three failed to attend the commencement of their trial at the Paris Correctional Court. Amandine Roy, also known as Delphine Jegousse, a 53-year-old clairvoyant, was present at the trial. Roy allegedly made defamatory statements about Ms. Macron in a four-hour YouTube video, including falsely claiming Ms. Macron’s gender and identity.
During the ongoing trial, all defendants have denied any wrongdoing and argued that their freedom of speech is being violated by targeting a prominent figure in Parisian politics. The prosecution is focusing on the harmful comments made about Ms. Macron’s gender, sexuality, and age difference with her husband, leading to allegations of cyberbullying.
Amidst the legal proceedings, Aurelien Poirson-Atlan, known as ‘Zoe Sagan’ on social media, has also been implicated in the case. Juan Branco, Poirson-Atlan’s defense barrister, criticized the trial, claiming it has political motives and infringes on freedom of speech.
The Macron couple’s relationship has faced scrutiny due to its unconventional origins, with Emmanuel Macron developing feelings for Brigitte Auzière, his drama teacher, when he was a schoolboy. Despite the controversies surrounding their relationship, the couple eventually married in 2007, years before Emmanuel Macron’s unexpected presidential victory.
The trial continues to unfold, shedding light on the alleged cyberbullying incidents targeting Brigitte Macron and the legal implications faced by the accused individuals.
