Fact Check: Is Macron's Wife a Male?
What We Know
The claim that Brigitte Macron, the First Lady of France, was born male and is a transgender woman has been widely circulated on social media and various conspiracy theory platforms. This rumor originated from a far-right website and has been propagated by conspiracy theorists, particularly those opposed to her husband, President Emmanuel Macron. The false narrative alleges that she was born under the name Jean-Michel Trogneux, a claim that has been thoroughly debunked by multiple sources (BBC, Reuters).
Brigitte Macron has publicly stated her intention to take legal action against those spreading these false claims. Her lawyer confirmed that she is pursuing legal proceedings against individuals who have propagated these rumors, emphasizing the need to address the significant harm caused by such misinformation (BBC).
Analysis
The claim that Brigitte Macron is a transgender woman lacks credible evidence and is rooted in conspiracy theories that have been widely discredited. The narrative first gained traction in 2021 and has been linked to a YouTube video featuring two women who made baseless assertions about her identity. These women were later found guilty of slander for their claims, which were deemed unfounded and harmful (BBC, Le Monde).
The spread of this rumor has been associated with far-right groups and conspiracy theorists, including those from the QAnon movement, who often target public figures with unfounded allegations. The motivations behind these claims appear to be politically charged, aiming to undermine the credibility of President Macron and his administration (Euronews, Snopes).
The sources discussing this claim, including reputable news outlets and fact-checking organizations, have consistently highlighted the lack of evidence supporting the assertion that Brigitte Macron is transgender. The legal actions taken by her against the spreaders of these rumors further reinforce the claim's falsehood and the seriousness with which it is treated by those affected (BBC, Reuters).
Conclusion
Verdict: False
The claim that Brigitte Macron is a male or transgender woman is unequivocally false. It is based on unfounded conspiracy theories that have been thoroughly debunked by credible sources. The legal actions taken by Mrs. Macron against those perpetuating these rumors further illustrate the baseless nature of the claims. The narrative appears to be politically motivated, aiming to discredit her and her husband, President Emmanuel Macron.
Sources
- Brigitte Macron to sue over false claims she was born male
- Altered image depicts Brigitte Macron as a young man
- Two women guilty of slandering Brigitte Macron
- Why are false rumours about Brigitte Macron being transgender resurfacing?
- Despite Macron's denial, magazine shares photos of Brigitte
- Brigitte Macron gender conspiracy theory: What exactly is it?
- Two women go on trial for claiming French first lady is transgender
- No, France's First Lady Brigitte Macron Isn't a Trans Woman
