A Paris court has overturned a defamation conviction against two women, Amandine Roy and Natacha Rey, who claimed in a 2021 YouTube video that French First Lady Brigitte Macron was born male under the name 'Jean-Michel Trogneux'.
The ruling on 10 July reported by the Daily Mail, has reignited baseless conspiracy theories about the 72-year-old's gender, despite her legal team's insistence that the claims are false and invasive.
This controversial decision has sparked debate about free speech, disinformation, and privacy.
Unpack the Court's Ruling
In September 2024, a lower court ordered Roy and Rey to pay £6,900 ($9,344) to Brigitte Macron and £4,300 ($5,832) to her brother in a defamation case, ruling their claims violated privacy.
The Paris Appeals Court has reversed this, stating that the women acted in 'good faith,' believing their allegations served the public interest, according to The Telegraph.
X posts from @MarioNawfal noted, 'The court said it's free speech, not defamation,' highlighting the acquittal's impact.
The decision cancels the fines and allows the women to repeat their claims legally, prompting Brigitte Macron's team to plan an appeal to France's Court of Cassation.
The ruling has fueled online speculation, with no evidence supporting the conspiracy theory.
Trace the Conspiracy's Origins
The claims began in December 2021 when Roy, a self-described spiritual medium, interviewed Rey, an independent journalist, on her YouTube channel, alleging Brigitte Macron was born 'Jean-Michel Trogneux' and transitioned before marrying Emmanuel Macron.
Le Monde clarifies that Jean-Michel is Brigitte's brother, and the theory is baseless, amplified by far-right groups during the 2022 French election.
X posts from @DailyMail reported, 'Emmanuel Macron called the rumours false,' reflecting his defence of his wife's privacy.
The conspiracy, costing an estimated £40,000 ($54,170) in legal fees, has targeted other prominent women like Michelle Obama.
Brigitte's 24-year age gap with Emmanuel has often been exploited to fuel such disinformation.
Protect Yourself from Disinformation
The ruling underscores the challenge of combating online falsehoods. Yahoo News notes that similar gender-based conspiracies have surged, with American commentator Candace Owens amplifying the Macron claim in 2025.
To avoid falling for such narratives, verify information through reputable sources. Report harmful content on platforms like X, and support privacy advocacy by contacting organisations like the French Data Protection Authority (www.cnil.fr).
X posts from @nypost urged, 'Check facts before sharing conspiracies,' echoing calls for critical thinking. If concerned about disinformation, educate yourself via resources like the UK's Full Fact (fullfact.org) to discern truth from fiction in a polarised digital age.
Privacy vs Free Speech?
The acquittal of Roy and Rey has reignited a firestorm around Brigitte Macron's privacy, amplifying baseless claims while raising questions about free speech limits.
His ruling challenges France's First Lady to defend her reputation against rampant conspiracies, fueled by far-right agendas and social media echo chambers.
It underscores the delicate balance between open discourse and personal dignity, urging vigilance to protect the truth.
As disinformation spreads like a wildfire if unchecked, New Yorkers and global citizens must verify sources, advocate for accountability, and reject harmful narratives, because lies can erode trust and devastate lives in moments.
