In a case that has captured international attention and highlights the pervasive impact of misinformation, two women in France went on trial on Wednesday, June 19, over false claims that the country’s First Lady, Brigitte Macron, was transgender. These claims, which spread widely online, alleged that Brigitte Macron had once been a man named “Jean-Michel.” The accusations, propagated by conspiracy theorists and the far right, emerged just weeks before the 2022 presidential election, creating a media frenzy and significant distress for the Macron family.
A ‘State Lie’ and a Libel Case
In 2022, Brigitte Macron filed a libel complaint against the two women, Amandine Roy and Natacha Rey, who were responsible for propagating the rumor. The trial for defamation charges comes during a heated campaign for snap legislative elections called by Brigitte Macron’s husband, French President Emmanuel Macron, following his party’s defeat by the far right in the European Parliament elections.
Amandine Roy, a 49-year-old self-proclaimed spiritual medium, appeared in court in Paris on Wednesday. She was questioned about her YouTube interview with Natacha Rey, an independent journalist who claimed to have uncovered a “state lie” and “scam” regarding Brigitte Macron’s identity. Rey did not attend the trial, citing illness. Roy stated that Rey was “desperate to share her work,” which she had conducted over three years. She added, “My regret is that this wasn’t taken up and investigated by the mainstream media.” Roy expressed that she could not bring herself to “hide” such a “serious” topic.
The Harmful Impact of Misinformation
Neither President Macron nor the First Lady attended the court proceedings. Brigitte Macron’s lawyer, Jean Ennochi, emphasized the significant harm caused by the false claims, stating, “The prejudice is massive, it exploded everywhere.” Ennochi and his team are demanding €10,000 ($10,750) each in compensation for Brigitte Macron and her brother.
The false claims even reached the United States, where Brigitte Macron was attacked in a now-deleted YouTube video before the November elections. This disinformation campaign against Brigitte Macron is part of a broader trend where influential women, including former US First Lady Michelle Obama and New Zealand ex-Premier Jacinda Ardern, have faced similar false allegations about their gender or sexuality. These baseless claims are often designed to mock or humiliate the targets, causing personal and professional harm.
The phenomenon of transvestigation, where conspiracy theorists falsely claim that public figures are transgender, is not only harmful to the individuals targeted but also perpetuates damaging stereotypes and misinformation about the transgender community. This practice undermines the dignity and identity of transgender individuals by treating gender identity as a scandalous secret rather than a personal aspect of someone’s life.
For transgender individuals, the constant scrutiny and baseless accusations seen in transvestigation can be particularly distressing. It perpetuates a culture of suspicion and distrust, suggesting that being transgender is something to be hidden or ashamed of. This toxic narrative can discourage people from living authentically and openly, contributing to the stigma and discrimination that transgender individuals already face.
RELATED: Transvestigating: A Weapon of Misinformation Hurting All Genders
Throughout the trial, the Macron family has shown remarkable resilience. Brigitte Macron, formerly Brigitte Trogneux, has faced intense public scrutiny due to her high-profile marriage to Emmanuel Macron, 24 years her junior. The couple’s relationship, which began when Emmanuel Macron was still a teenager and Brigitte was his teacher, has often been the subject of media attention. Despite this, Brigitte Macron has maintained her dignity and continued her work as First Lady.
The allegations against Brigitte Macron have also included serious accusations of child abuse, adding another layer of harm to the already damaging false claims about her gender. These accusations are not only baseless but also highlight how misinformation can escalate into more severe and harmful rumors.
A decision on the case is expected on September 12. The outcome of this trial will not only impact Brigitte Macron and her family but also set a precedent for how similar cases of defamation and misinformation are handled in the future. It is crucial for the legal system to address the spread of harmful and false information, particularly when it targets individuals based on their gender or personal identity.
The case against Amandine Roy and Natacha Rey underscores the importance of holding those who spread false information accountable. It also highlights the need for greater awareness and education about the impact of misinformation and the importance of verifying facts before sharing them. In an era where social media can amplify false claims rapidly, promoting media literacy and critical thinking is essential.
The Bottom Line
It is crucial to show support for Brigitte Macron and other people who have been the target of similar disinformation campaigns as we wait for the court’s ruling. The transgender community, in particular, understands the profound impact of being misrepresented and falsely accused. By supporting those who face such attacks and advocating for truth and empathy, we can help create a more inclusive and understanding society.
The trial of Amandine Roy and Natacha Rey is a stark reminder of the power of misinformation and the importance of truth. It calls for a collective effort to combat false narratives and support those who are unjustly targeted. Brigitte Macron’s courage in confronting these false claims sets a powerful example for all, demonstrating that resilience and truth can prevail even in the face of baseless rumors and conspiracy theories.
