The French president initiated legal action to stop a defamation campaign that has been going on for more than four years. This Monday the trial began.
After more than four years of enduring disinformation campaigns and personal attacks, Brigitte and Emmanuel Macron They initiated legal action against those who promoted an unsupported theory that questions the gender of the first lady.
He judgmentwhich began this Monday at the Paris Correctional Court, involves a dozen accused accused of having harassed and spread defamatory content on social networks. According to the media RFIthe process marks a change in the strategy of the presidential couple, which chose to respond directly to the attacks.
“It will be very painful for them to have to present this evidence in court. But we would not be here if we were not willing to take on this burden,” he explained. Tom ClareBrigitte Macron’s lawyer, in statements to the BBCby confirming that they will be provided scientific expertise to definitively dismantle the accusations.
Rumors that crossed borders
The wife of Emmanuel Macron has long been the subject of conspiracy theories that claim that He was born a man named Jean-Michel Trogneuxthe name of his brother, and who later adopted the identity of Brigitte as a transgender woman. Although it emerged in marginal forums, the rumor quickly spread on social networks and alternative channels, reaching enormous international dissemination.
One of the main drivers was the American influencer Candace Owensknown for its proximity to donald trump and for promoting radical right narratives. In videos with millions of views, Owens even suggested that Brigitte Macron had committed a crime of child abuse upon marrying Emmanuel Macron, who was her student.
Given the magnitude of the damage, the presidential couple presented a demand in the United Stateswithin the framework of which it seeks to provide medical evidence and expert testimony that refutes the version.
Between defamation and political manipulation
Behind the case, French analysts warn of an operation that combines misinformation, digital harassment and political calculation. The journalist Thomas Huchona specialist in conspiracy theories, explained to RFI that these narratives point to erode the international image of the French president.
“Faced with Trump, there are not many other options than the European Union and Emmanuel Macron. Therefore, everything that can weaken Macron’s image is a form of diplomatic benefit for the United States of today. This story has the clear objective of destabilizing our country,” he said.
Huchon added that figures like Owens “seek to make money thanks to the millions of views their publications receive, but also to serve a political agenda.”
Source: Ambito
