Cyberharassment: Four Men to Be Tried Following a Complaint by Brigitte Macron

On December 12, 2024, the Paris Prosecutor’s Office announced that a trial will take place on July 10, 2025, in the Paris Criminal Court. Four men will face charges of sexist cyberharassment against Brigitte Macron, following a complaint filed by the First Lady in August.

The alleged offenses involve malicious comments about Brigitte Macron’s gender, sexuality, and the age difference with her husband, Emmanuel Macron. These attacks, according to the prosecution, used an angle equating these differences with unfounded accusations of pedophilia.

Among the accused is Aurélien Poirson-Atlan, a publicist known on social media under the pseudonym “Zoé Sagan.” Already the subject of multiple complaints, he is often associated with conspiracy circles. The three other defendants are Jean-Luc M. (born in 1960, residing in Saône-et-Loire), Bertrand S. (born in 1969, living in Paris), and Jean-Christophe D. (born in 1971, residing in Seine-et-Marne).

The investigation, led by the Brigade for the Repression of Personal Delinquency (BRDP), also revealed that some of the messages central to the case perpetuate a persistent false claim dating back to 2017. This rumor baselessly alleges that Brigitte Macron was born a man and adopted a new identity after a gender transition.

A Viral False Claim Already Sanctioned

This rumor, amplified on social media, resurfaced following a YouTube video released in 2021, becoming viral in France and abroad. In the United States, it was even exploited by some far-right groups during the presidential campaign.

In September 2024, two women involved in spreading this false claim were convicted of public defamation. One was responsible for the viral interview, while the other contributed to its dissemination. These convictions set a precedent in combating the spread of misinformation and cyberharassment.

Reactions and Perspectives

The defendants’ lawyers, including Juan Branco representing Aurélien Poirson-Atlan, denounce political manipulation of the case and criticize the pre-trial detentions. Despite these objections, the trial highlights the urgent need to combat malicious online discourse and harassment, particularly targeting public figures.

Brigitte Macron, frequently subjected to unjust and sexist attacks, asserts herself through this legal action as a prominent figure in addressing cyberharassment and its excesses.