A court in Paris has found Brigitte Macron was the target of sustained online harassment, convicting 10 individuals over a series of abusive messages and posts shared on social media platforms.
Judges ruled that the defendants engaged in coordinated cyberbullying that included insults, threats and gender-based abuse directed at the French first lady. The court said the behaviour went beyond legitimate criticism and amounted to unlawful harassment under French law.
The case is being seen as a landmark moment in France’s efforts to address online abuse, particularly when it targets women in public life. Prosecutors argued that the volume and tone of the messages were intended to intimidate and demean, contributing to a hostile online environment.
Sentences handed down by the court included fines and suspended prison terms, reflecting what judges described as the seriousness of the offences while also taking into account the defendants’ individual circumstances. Several of those convicted said they planned to appeal the verdict.
Brigitte Macron did not attend the hearing but welcomed the ruling through her legal team, which said the decision sent a clear message that online harassment and misogynistic abuse would not be tolerated.
The case comes amid growing debate in France and across Europe about how to balance freedom of expression with stronger protections against online hate and harassment.
