Brigitte Macron transgender rumor, defamation appeal, acquittal of Natacha Rey and Amandine Roy, 2025
Paris Court of Appeal Overturns Defamation Conviction
The Paris Court of Appeal has cleared two women previously convicted of spreading a transphobic rumor targeting Brigitte Macron. The ruling, delivered on Thursday, July 10, reversed the 2024 defamation convictions of Natacha Rey and Amandine Roy. Both had circulated a false claim online alleging that France’s First Lady, Brigitte Macron, is a transgender woman who was born male under the name Jean-Michel Trogneux.
The appellate court overturned their convictions concerning 18 social media posts flagged by Brigitte Macron and her brother, Jean-Michel Trogneux. While one post referencing “child grooming” was still found to fall under press law, the court granted the pair a general acquittal, citing good faith. Jean Ennochi, counsel for Brigitte Macron, expressed dissatisfaction: “We will be reviewing our next steps with our clients, but it is clear that we do not agree with this decision.”
Initial Conviction in Lower Court
In September 2024, Rey and Roy were found guilty of defamation and received suspended fines of €500. They were also ordered to pay €8,000 in damages to Brigitte Macron and €5,000 to her brother, Jean-Michel Trogneux. These penalties came amid growing concern over the spread of fake news targeting public figures, particularly through social media platforms.
A Baseless Rumor Dating Back to 2017
The origin of the controversy lies in a conspiracy theory that began circulating in 2017. According to this fabricated narrative, Brigitte Macron—née Trogneux—did not exist as a woman but was in fact her brother Jean-Michel, who allegedly changed both gender and identity. The baseless allegation resurfaced in 2021 via a lengthy YouTube video, reigniting the rumor.
In the video, Amandine Roy, who introduced herself as a “psychic,” interviewed Natacha Rey, described as a “self-taught journalist.” Together, they claimed to expose a so-called “state-sponsored lie.” The discussion included private family photos, unfounded accusations involving plastic surgeries, and denials of Brigitte Macron’s motherhood. The video also revealed personal information about Jean-Michel Trogneux, raising additional ethical and legal concerns.
A Familiar Strategy of Defamation and Disinformation
This transphobic rumor eventually crossed borders, gaining traction in the US among far-right circles during election season. The tactic mirrors a recurring disinformation strategy often used to undermine powerful women: by casting doubt on their gender identity. High-profile figures such as Michelle Obama, Kamala Harris, and Jacinda Ardern have all been subjected to similar attacks. This blend of transphobia and misinformation has become a destabilizing force in digital political discourse, aiming to discredit through baseless personal attacks rather than factual critique.
Latest News
Stay updated with breaking LGBTQIA+ news from around the world. Explore exclusive reporting, trends, and perspectives brought to you by Queer Vibes Mag.
Welcome to our LGBTQ+ news section — your go-to source for the latest developments, impactful stories, and inclusive coverage on global LGBTQIA+ issues. Join the conversation, share your thoughts and help foster a community of informed and engaged readers. Together, let’s build a world where everyone is respected and affirmed for who they are. Happy reading!
Español 
English
Deja una respuesta