A Paris court has begun a two-day trial of ten individuals accused of orchestrating a sexist cyber-bullying campaign against Brigitte Macron.
Macron is the wife of French President Emmanuel Macron.
BRIGITTE MACRON’S CYBER-BULLYING CASE
The case, which has captured international attention, highlights the global challenge of online harassment.
The eight men and two women, who include a teacher, an elected official, and a gallery owner, face charges of publishing “malicious” online posts.
These posts spread unfounded claims about Brigitte Macron’s gender and sexuality and maliciously referenced the couple’s 24-year age gap.
THE FRENCH FIRST FAMILY TAKE A STAND
If convicted, the defendants could receive prison sentences of up to two years, according to the BBC.
This trial forms part of a broader legal offensive by the French First Family.
They are fighting against a persistent conspiracy theory that falsely claims Brigitte Macron is a transgender woman.
THE DEFAMATION LAWSUIT AGAINST CANDACE OWENS
For South African readers, this case resonates deeply, as the country grapples with its own high rates of online gender-based violence. It is currently strengthening laws to protect citizens from digital harm.
The Macrons are also pursuing international legal action, according to Sky News.
They have filed a defamation lawsuit in the US against right-wing influencer Candace Owens for promoting the same baseless claims.
BRIGITTE MACRON STANDS FIRM
President Macron stated that such legal action was essential to “defend his honour” against deliberately harmful misinformation.
The case underscores a disturbing trend where public figures become targets of coordinated online hate campaigns.
SETTING PRECEDENT
The outcome of this trial concerning Brigitte Macron will be closely watched, as it could set a significant precedent for how Western nations’ judicial systems penalise digital harassment.
It can offer a comparative perspective for legal developments in South Africa, setting an interesting precedent for digital accountability worldwide.