What's Behind ‘Brigitte Is A Man' Buzz? How A Bizarre Claim Is Shaking Up France, Internet
This theory has gained traction on fringe platforms and among conspiracy theorists, pushing the French First Lady into spotlight and prompting Macron himself to respond publicly
In recent years, France's political discourse has been punctuated not only by policy debates and social unrest—but also by conspiracy theories. One particularly strange and deeply offensive rumour has taken root on the French far-right internet: the claim that Brigitte Macron, the wife of President Emmanuel Macron, is a transgender woman and was born a man named Jean-Michel Trogneux.
Though patently false and repeatedly debunked, this theory has gained traction on fringe platforms and among conspiracy theorists, pushing the French First Lady into unwanted media spotlight and prompting the French president himself to respond publicly. What's more alarming is how this baseless claim has spawned a wider online movement called 'transinvestigation"—an online practice of scrutinising public figures' appearances and biographies to 'expose" their supposed 'true gender."
Let's break down the origins of this theory, how it reflects a growing trend of transphobia disguised as 'investigative curiosity," and why it signals deeper cultural and political anxieties in contemporary France.
Where Did the Rumour Begin?
The conspiracy theory started gaining steam in late 2021, when a French woman named Natacha Rey, who describes herself as an independent journalist, published a lengthy article alleging that Brigitte Macron was not born female. The piece was full of speculative photographs, strange inferences, and vague references to inconsistencies in her biography.
The core of the claim? That Brigitte Macron was born 'Jean-Michel Trogneux," and later transitioned into a woman—and that this was covered up by French elites to protect President Macron's image.
This theory emerged from a subset of conspiracy theorists in France who blend anti-establishment thinking, anti-LGBTQ+ views, and deep distrust of mainstream media. It drew attention from far-right bloggers and QAnon-style digital communities, eventually going viral enough to trend on French Twitter (now X) under hashtags like #JeanMichelTrogneux.
Brigitte Macron's Response—And Legal Action
In December 2021, Brigitte Macron responded by filing a defamation lawsuit against the individuals and outlets spreading the theory. The First Lady has largely avoided public commentary on personal attacks, but this theory struck a nerve — likely because it not only targeted her but also invoked a level of transphobia and misogyny that was deeply personal.
President Macron himself condemned the rumour in a 2023 interview, calling it 'an attack on truth, decency, and democracy." He warned that the spread of such theories could have damaging consequences for civil discourse and vulnerable communities.
What Is 'Transinvestigation'?
The Brigitte Macron case is not an isolated one. It is part of a broader online trend known as transinvestigation—a pseudoscientific internet movement where people 'investigate" the gender identity of celebrities, politicians, and athletes, often suggesting they are secretly transgender.
The term has gained traction in English- and French-language conspiracy communities. Participants obsessively dissect body language, bone structure, clothing choices, and even childhood photographs to claim that someone is not the gender they say they are.
It is not just Brigitte Macron. Other public figures—like Michelle Obama, Jacinda Ardern, and even Meghan Markle—have been targeted by transinvestigators online. The movement is deeply transphobic, rooted in the belief that being transgender is deceptive or sinister, and that society is being manipulated by a secret cabal promoting gender fluidity.
What makes the Brigitte Macron theory uniquely dangerous is that it ties these transphobic themes directly into national identity and elite politics, painting the Macron family as the ultimate symbol of globalist deceit.
Why Is This Happening In France?
France has long been a battleground for cultural and identity politics. On one hand, it prides itself on its laïcité (secularism), universalism, and strict separation of public and private life. On the other, the country is deeply divided on issues of gender, race, immigration, and religion.
In recent years, French political discourse has seen:
A rise in anti-LGBTQ+ sentiment, especially from far-right figures like Éric Zemmour and Marine Le Pen.
Increased attacks on 'wokeism" and gender ideology, often imported from US culture wars.
Growing influence of online misinformation and conspiracy theories, accelerated by platforms like Telegram and X (formerly Twitter).
Within this context, the 'Brigitte is a man" theory fits into a broader narrative of moral panic, where fears about gender roles, family structures, and national decline converge.
What's The Impact On The Trans Community?
While the theory is absurd on its face, its ripple effects are serious. It has led to:
Online harassment campaigns against transgender people in France.
Increased media visibility for fringe theories that question gender identity.
A normalization of transphobic language and 'gender policing" under the guise of scepticism.
The trans community in France—already marginalised—has expressed concerns that such conspiracy theories make them more vulnerable to hate crimes and social exclusion. Activists note that these theories are not just 'harmless trolling," but part of a larger project to delegitimise gender diversity and bodily autonomy.
What's Macron's Bigger Problem?
For the French President, this theory is more than a personal attack—it's emblematic of a deeper challenge facing democratic societies: the rise of post-truth politics.
His government has previously introduced laws to curb online hate speech and disinformation, but critics argue that platforms still do too little to stem the tide of viral falsehoods.
Moreover, when conspiracy theories become so mainstream that they enter presidential debates and courtroom proceedings, it raises the stakes for how societies handle truth and evidence. The fear is that if public figures can be smeared with complete fabrications—and those lies gain traction—it erodes trust in institutions and the media.
So Why Is It Still Spreading?
The theory persists because it is emotionally resonant for those who already distrust power. It confirms biases, fuels outrage, and offers a sense of community among believers. Algorithms on social media often reward emotionally charged content, even if it is false.
It's also spread by some who see it less as a belief and more as a symbolic protest—a way to humiliate the Macrons, mock elites, and reject 'political correctness."
What This Reveals About Our Times
The 'Brigitte is a man" theory seems offensive, absurd, and entirely fabricated—but it is also a mirror of the political moment we live in. It reveals how misinformation can be weaponised in the age of viral media, how transphobia disguises itself as curiosity or scepticism, and how public discourse can be derailed by toxic digital culture.
Ultimately, this conspiracy theory says less about Brigitte Macron and more about the society that entertains such lies, even for a moment. It is a call for better media literacy, stronger protections for marginalised communities, and a renewed commitment to truth in the public square.
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Shilpy Bisht
Shilpy Bisht, Deputy News Editor at News18, writes and edits national, world and business stories. She started off as a print journalist, and then transitioned to online, in her 12 years of experience. Her prev...Read More
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July 25, 2025, 14:10 IST
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