On October 25, the news agencies Info 9 and Newshub, as well as several Facebook pages (1;2) and accounts, shared information claiming that the First Lady of France, Brigitte Macron, had discovered that her name on a tax website appeared under a man’s name – “Jean Michel.” Some reports claimed to rely on the French media outlet BFMTV. Two Georgian news agencies published identical texts stating, “France’s First Lady, Brigitte Macron, discovered that her name on a tax website was listed under a man’s name (Jean Michel).”
Social media cards shared by the Georgian-language news agencies did not include any additional information, creating the impression that the tax website itself had assigned a male name to Brigitte Macron. Comments and shares on Facebook show that some users are using the information circulated in this form to discredit France’s First Lady. It is also noteworthy that BFMTV’s documentary series, on which the Georgian media based their stories, actually explores conspiracy theories about Brigitte Macron, and the change of name on the tax website, allegedly caused by external interference, is discussed within this context.
Myth Detector presents an overview of what is known about the name change on the French tax website and what BFMTV’s documentary series covers.
On October 24, the French television channel BFMTV released a trailer for a documentary series that aired on September 26. The series is titled “Red Line: From Rumor to Conspiracy, the Brigitte Macron Affair.” The trailer and the first part of the series recount a 2024 incident in which Brigitte Macron discovered that her name on a tax website had been replaced by a man’s name, “Jean Michel.” Since 2021, a conspiracy theory has circulated in public spaces claiming that the wife of French President Emmanuel Macron is actually a man named Jean Michel.
The information shared by Georgian outlets is therefore not new. French media had previously reported on the name change on the tax portal. At that time, two individuals were prosecuted in connection with the case, though they were later acquitted by the court. BFMTV’s documentary series focuses on how these claims about the First Lady originated and evolved.
“From Rumor to Conspiracy” – What Is the BFMTV Story About?
The BFMTV documentary addresses conspiracy theories claiming that Brigitte Macron is secretly a man – and even her own brother, Jean Michel. The story begins with the 2024 incident, when Brigitte Macron, while filling out tax documents online, noticed that her name had been changed. As her chief of staff, Tristan Bromet, recalls in a conversation with the media, the name field contained the following sentence: “Jean Michel, known as Brigitte Macron.” Bromet also mentioned the possibility of external interference, as only Brigitte Macron should have had access to her personal data.
Source: BFMTV
According to Tristan Bromet, two individuals were identified (by the initials Juliette A. and Laurent A.) linked to this case, and legal proceedings began against them. The accused claimed they had altered the information as a form of protest against the French government’s policies. One of them later told the court they regretted their actions. The Paris court released the accused individuals. Although the court recognized that the incident harmed Brigitte Macron’s dignity and reputation, it ruled that the defendants had not tried to access her personal data.
According to Brigitte Macron’s office, the accusations were serious, involving not only gender identity issues but also falsification of identity documents.
The next part of the documentary looks back at how, since 2021, the conspiracy theory developed that France’s First Lady is actually a man – and even her brother. The filmmakers explain who first spread this claim, how it was received in France, and how it spread internationally.
How Did the Conspiracy Theory About Brigitte Macron’s Gender Spread?
In the BFMTV documentary, the channel identifies Natacha Rey, who presented herself as a journalist, as the author of the conspiracy theory about Brigitte Macron’s gender. Interviews with French journalists reveal that in 2021, Natacha Rey contacted them claiming to have “interesting information” about the First Lady. According to these journalists, her claims were vague, unsubstantiated, and lacked any real evidence.
Later, a spiritual medium named Amandine Roy published an interview with Natacha Rey online.
In it, they claimed that Brigitte Macron was actually her brother, who transitioned into a woman at age 30. This interview was one of the first moments when the idea of Brigitte Macron’s gender began to circulate widely.
Source: BFMTV
The discussion about Brigitte Macron’s gender spread beyond France – BFMTV’s documentary notes that American commentator Candace Owens also repeated similar allegations. Brigitte Macron later sued Owens for spreading false information; the case is being handled as a defamation lawsuit. The documentary also includes an interview with Xavier Poussard, author of the book Becoming Brigitte, which portrays the First Lady as someone with a mysterious past who is pretending to be another person.
According to Brigitte Macron’s chief of staff, Tristan Bromet, the Macrons decided to respond to the false claims through legal channels. Brigitte Macron filed lawsuits against both Natacha Rey and Amandine Roy, joined by her brother as a co-plaintiff. The court of first instance found Rey and Roy guilty of defamation (30:33), but the appeals court later acquitted them.
This is not the first time Georgian media and Facebook users have circulated claims about Brigitte Macron’s gender. Myth Detector has previously fact-checked similar conspiracy theories and fabricated photos claiming that Emmanuel Macron’s wife is actually a man. You can read more in the following articles:
- Disinformation about the First Lady of France being a Transgender Woman
- Photomanipulation of Brigitte Macron is being circulated on Facebook
Similar narratives have also been used to discredit Michelle Obama, the wife of former U.S. President Barack Obama. Years ago, a photo of Michelle Obama was used as the basis for false claims that she is a man.ა.
