Ten people have been found guilty of cyber-bullying Brigitte Macron, the wife of French President Emmanuel Macron, by a Paris court.
The defendants were accused of spreading false claims about her gender and sexuality, as well as making 'malicious remarks' about the 24-year age gap between the couple.
Most of the defendants were handed suspended prison sentences of up to eight months, but one was jailed immediately for failing to attend court. Some had their social media accounts suspended.
The judge stated that the eight men and two women acted with a clear intention to harm Brigitte Macron, contributing to a hostile online environment.
Two of the defendants, self-styled independent journalist Natacha Rey and internet fortune-teller Amandine Roy, were previously found guilty of slander for asserting that France's first lady had never existed, though this verdict was overturned on appeal.
This court ruling comes as the Macrons prepare for a larger trial in the US against right-wing influencer Candace Owens, who has perpetuated conspiracy theories regarding Brigitte Macron.
Brigitte Macron's daughter, Tiphaine Auzière, testified that the cyber-bullying had a detrimental effect on her mother's health and quality of life, advocating for accountability in online behavior.
The Macrons' decision to pursue legal action highlights the ongoing challenge of online harassment and the importance of protecting public figures from malicious attacks.
