Some people said some mean things on social media about French First Lady Brigitte Macron, wife of President Emmanuel Macron. Now they're facing jail terms, social media bans, and fines.
What about their free speech rights? Mais non, they do not have the First Amendment in La France, and freedom of expression isn’t guaranteed. Whatever you do, don’t claim that Brigitte is actually a man:
The eight men and two women — three of whom were tried in absentia — were given a range of sentences. One received a six-month jail sentence. Other punishments stretched from mandatory online harassment awareness training to an eight-month suspended jail sentence.
The court also fined each 600 euros and ordered them to contribute to a total of 10,000 euros — about $12,000 — in compensation to Ms. Macron.
Five of those convicted were also barred from using the social media platform involved in the case, X, for six months.
🚨TEN GIVEN PRISON SENTENCES FOR CALLING BRIGITTE MACRON A MAN
— Basil the Great (@BasilTheGreat) January 5, 2026
In France today 10 citizens were given prison sentences up to 8 months for 'cyber bullying'
They said Brigitte Macron is a man and mocked her 24 year age gap with Emmanuel Macron
There is no free speech in Europe pic.twitter.com/BfzZ0jFBnD
Now, one can debate the decency of their claims, but should you be thrown behind bars if you made them?
READ MORE: French President Macron Heralds Brigitte Bardot's 'Life of Freedom' — but There's Just One Problem
Rubio Targets Five Foreign Operatives Who Conspired With Big Tech to Censor Americans
The case stems from internet trolls who relentlessly attacked Mrs. Macron over the fact that she is 24 years older than her husband, was once his schoolteacher, and appears to some to have a masculine appearance. Maybe not very nice, but criminal?
They were tried after posting messages and photos on social media that wrongly suggested that Ms. Macron — the wife of President Emmanuel Macron of France — was born a boy called Jean-Michel Trogneux, the name of her older brother. The seven defendants tried in person denied wrongdoing, variously saying their posts were either meant in jest or constituted legitimate debate. Only one apologized.
The case was seen as a symptom of a toxic online culture in which growing numbers of internet users, driven by resentment of mainstream leaders and distrust in mainstream news media, are increasingly drawn to conspiracy theories and false information. Mr. Macron has cited the case to amplify a broader campaign against misinformation, which includes a contentious proposal to issue certifications that differentiate professional news networks from other websites.
France, and Europe as a whole, seems to have abandoned the idea of free speech in the name of “tolerance.” If the same rules applied here, half the posters on the social media platform X would be jailed by tomorrow. It’s one thing for a major organization like ABC News to claim Trump had been found liable for rape, a fact that is easily disprovable, and another to jail some keyboard jockey in his underwear for mocking political figures.
The Macrons are also suing controversial internet personality Candace Owens for defamation in the United States, as she has relentlessly hounded the couple with her unfounded allegations. Owens, however, wasn’t just posting horse manure on X from her couch; she has a national platform with her podcasts and media appearances. Where do we draw the line?
What is free speech, and what constitutes illegal “cyberbullying?” That subject will continue to be debated here and on the Continent. In many recent cases, however, the Europeans are showing more and more opposition to the notion that you can say what you want. Tais-toi s'il te plaît!
Editor’s Note: Here at RedState, we’ve been dealing with real government suppression of free speech for YEARS. Despite the threats and consequences, we refuse to go silent and remain committed to delivering the truth.
Help us fight back against government censorship by joining RedState VIP today. Use promo code FIGHT to receive 60% off your membership.
Join the conversation as a VIP Member