Brigitte Macron Rumor Case: Two Women Cleared on Appeal
Brigitte Macron Transgender Rumor: Appeals Court Overturns Convictions of Natacha Rey and Amandine Roy
Paris Court of Appeal Overrules Defamation Verdict
In a major legal reversal, the Paris Court of Appeal has acquitted two women previously found guilty of defamation for spreading a false and transphobic rumor targeting France’s First Lady, Brigitte Macron. On Thursday, July 10, the court overturned the convictions of Natacha Rey and Amandine Roy, who originally faced penalties in 2024 for alleging online that Macron is a transgender woman born as Jean-Michel Trogneux, her brother.
The appellate judges ruled that the two women acted in "good faith" despite publishing 18 questionable social media posts flagged by both Brigitte Macron and Jean-Michel Trogneux. While one post containing a reference to "child grooming" was still found to violate press laws, the court granted a general acquittal to both Rey and Roy. Brigitte Macron’s lawyer, Jean Ennochi, voiced disappointment with the outcome, stating: "We will be discussing our next steps with our clients, but we clearly disagree with this ruling."
2024: Initial Conviction and Legal Penalties
Rey and Roy were initially convicted by a lower court in September 2024. Both received suspended €500 fines and were ordered to pay €8,000 in damages to Brigitte Macron, as well as €5,000 to her brother. These rulings came during heightened concern over the rapid spread of online misinformation and personal attacks directed at public figures, particularly via social media platforms.
Origins of a Baseless Conspiracy Theory
The defamatory claims trace back to 2017, when an unfounded conspiracy theory began circulating online. According to the narrative, Brigitte Macron, née Trogneux, never actually existed as a woman and was purportedly her brother, Jean-Michel Trogneux, who allegedly transitioned and assumed her identity. The theory reemerged in 2021 with a viral YouTube video that rekindled public interest in the false claim.
In the video, Amandine Roy—who identified herself as a "clairvoyant"—interviewed Natacha Rey, described as a "self-taught journalist." Together, they insisted they were exposing a “state-sponsored lie,” showcasing private family photos, speculating about plastic surgeries, disputing Brigitte Macron’s role as a mother, and revealing personal information about Jean-Michel Trogneux. The content raised serious concerns over privacy violations and ethical breaches.
Defamation as a Tool of Disinformation
The rumor spread beyond France, gaining traction in far-right communities abroad, including in the United States during political campaign cycles. This tactic—casting doubt on a female leader’s gender identity—echoes similar disinformation strategies targeting other high-profile women such as Michelle Obama, Kamala Harris, and Jacinda Ardern. These attacks often combine transphobia and misinformation in an effort to discredit women through personal rather than political narratives, highlighting the toxic use of disinformation in digital politics.
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