Paris Court Convicts Ten Over Online Harassment of Brigitte Macron

A court in Paris has found ten people guilty of cyber bullying Brigitte Macron, the wife of French President Emmanuel Macron, in a case that has drawn attention to the scale and impact of online harassment directed at public figures. The defendants were convicted of spreading false claims about her gender and sexuality and of making malicious remarks focused on the age difference between the couple.

The ruling followed months of legal proceedings in which prosecutors argued that the coordinated online attacks went beyond free expression and crossed into deliberate harassment. According to the court, the comments and posts were intended to harm Brigitte Macron personally and to undermine her dignity through persistent and unfounded allegations. Judges said the behaviour caused real emotional distress and contributed to a toxic online environment.

Most of those convicted received suspended prison sentences of up to eight months. The court also imposed fines and restrictions on social media use for several defendants, including temporary suspensions of their online accounts. One individual was immediately jailed after failing to attend the hearing, a decision the court said reflected disregard for the judicial process.

Brigitte Macron, who has often been the target of online abuse since her husband rose to prominence, did not attend the verdict in person. Her legal team welcomed the ruling, describing it as a clear signal that online harassment would not be tolerated, regardless of whether it takes place behind screens or anonymous accounts. Lawyers said the case was about protecting basic rights rather than silencing criticism.

The court found that the false claims circulated by the defendants were repeated across multiple platforms and amplified through reposting and commentary. Judges noted that while public figures are subject to scrutiny, spreading lies about a person’s identity or private life constitutes an attack on personal integrity rather than legitimate debate. The focus on the couple’s age gap was also deemed malicious, particularly where it was used to provoke ridicule or hatred.

French authorities have increasingly pursued cases involving online abuse, especially where campaigns target women in public life. Prosecutors argued that cyber bullying can have consequences as serious as offline harassment, including anxiety, fear and long term psychological harm. The Brigitte Macron case was seen as a test of how firmly courts would apply existing laws to digital behaviour.

Reaction in France has been mixed. Supporters of the verdict say it strengthens accountability and encourages more responsible use of social media. Others have expressed concern about potential limits on free speech, though legal experts point out that the convictions were based on false statements and harassment, not political opinion or criticism.

The case has also reignited discussion about how social media platforms should respond to abuse. Some of the convicted individuals had their accounts suspended as part of the ruling, highlighting the role platforms play in enforcing standards and cooperating with legal authorities.

For Brigitte Macron, the verdict represents a measure of legal recognition after years of personal attacks. Observers say the decision sends a broader message that online anonymity does not place individuals beyond the reach of the law and that targeted harassment, even against prominent figures, carries consequences.