Ever found yourself scrolling through wild rumors online and wondering if there is any real-world consequence? Well, last Monday in Paris, a court proved there are. Ten people have been sentenced for cyberbullying France's first lady, Brigitte Macron, after spreading false and degrading claims about her. 🙌
The case focused on malicious rumors about Brigitte's gender and cruel digs about the 24-year age gap between her and President Emmanuel Macron. Judge Thierry Donard called the accusations malicious, degrading and insulting.
Here’s the breakdown:
- Eight defendants got suspended sentences of 4 to 8 months.
- One person received a 6-month sentence in absentia.
- All ten must take an online hate-speech course at their own expense.
- Three top instigators face a 6-month social-media suspension.
Brigitte Macron did not testify in person but revealed the rumors strongly affected her and her close ones. Her daughter, Tiphaine Auzière, shared that her mother now has to watch how she dresses and carries herself because her image can be twisted in an instant. 😔
This verdict is part of a bigger wave of legal actions against online hate. The Macrons even filed a defamation suit in the US over similar smears. The message is clear: digital harassment has real-life costs, and courts are ready to act. 💪
We’ve all seen viral smears on Insta, Twitter threads or forwarded WhatsApp messages. This case reminds us that spreading rumors can have serious consequences. So next time you spot a wild claim in your feed, pause and check the facts. Spread love, not lies. ✌️
Reference(s):
French court sentences 10 over cyber-harassment of Brigitte Macron
cgtn.com
