Fame Under Fire – “Brigitte Macron’s Cyberbully Speaks Out”
Date: January 6, 2026
Host: Anushka Mutanda-Dougherty (BBC Sounds)
Episode Overview
In this episode of “Fame Under Fire,” host Anushka Mutanda-Dougherty examines the criminal convictions of ten individuals—including French author Bertrand Chola—for cyberbullying Brigitte Macron, wife of the French president. The discussion unpacks the origins and effects of the conspiracy theory regarding Brigitte Macron's gender, the social and legal implications of cyberbullying, and reflects on the boundaries between freedom of speech and online harassment. Anushka directly interviews one of those convicted, offering rare insight into the mindset of individuals who fuel and propagate viral misinformation.
Key Discussion Points and Insights
1. The Trial and Verdict
- [01:22–02:39] Anushka introduces the episode, summarizing the guilty verdict for ten defendants—including Bertrand Chola—for spreading false, malicious claims about Brigitte Macron’s gender and sexuality, as well as mocking the couple’s 24-year age gap.
- Highlight: Bertrand Chola posted a doctored image of Brigitte Macron, superimposing her head onto a male body in a swimsuit, which became a focus of the case.
- [03:51–07:24] BBC Paris correspondent Hugh Schofield contextualizes the trial:
- The allegations began with a fabricated story circulated by a “so-called journalist and a so-called spiritual medium,” gaining traction via social media and influencer Candace Owens’ commentary.
- The Macrons initiated legal proceedings resulting in this “minnow” case—ordinary citizens being prosecuted for their online actions.
- Family testimony, especially from Brigitte Macron’s daughter, detailed the severe, personal impact of the harassment, affecting Brigitte’s daily life and even her relationship with her grandchildren.
2. The Impact of Conspiracies and Misinformation
- [07:24–09:35] Hugh Schofield and Anushka reflect on the broader phenomenon:
- Once, journalists would avoid giving a platform to baseless rumors; now, reporting on them has become unavoidable as these become social phenomena.
- Notable insight: The danger lies in the “niggling doubt” conspiracy theories insert, eroding basic trust in reality:
"Many people who’ll say yes, of course, it’s rubbish, but who knows? And it’s that little ‘but who knows’ that the conspiracy theories exploit." – Hugh Schofield [08:24]
- Charismatic figures like Candace Owens amplify these doubts, making them “skillfully put together… you can see how that works on people’s brains.”
3. Freedom of Speech vs. Cyberbullying
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[12:24–13:36] In a post-verdict interview, Bertrand Chola maintains he’s acting out of principle, not malice. However, when pressed about the specific content that led to his conviction, he is unmoved:
> "Whatever I have done in this adventure of analyzing what was going on in the world, I didn't do for myself, I do, because I think it's important to do... It’s terrible for my family, for me, it will change a lot of things in my life." – Bertrand Chola [11:47]- He frames his actions as legitimate critique and an exercise of free speech, but Anushka notes that the specifics—zooming in on sexualized, edited images—go beyond criticism into harassment.
- When asked if he regrets posting the image, Chola is resolute:
"No. You know, you don't need to love the people who run the country. And you think they have been lying to you from day one." – Bertrand Chola [12:57]
- On whether the conviction will change his behavior:
"I have no idea. You know, it happened today. So today I am under kind of shock." – Bertrand Chola [13:12]
- Chola views the cyberbullying law as
"a nuclear bomb for freedom of speech." – Bertrand Chola [13:26]
4. Legal and Social Consequences
- [09:35–11:30] Hugh Schofield discusses what the verdict means:
- The conviction is a symbolic victory for the Macrons and may set a legal precedent, but is unlikely to stem the tide of viral misinformation.
- The case forms part of a wider campaign, including ongoing defamation actions in the US and appeals in French courts. The Macrons have taken it upon themselves, in Hugh’s words, to “make themselves a test case for humanity in all of this.”
5. Victim’s Voice
- [13:36] The episode closes with a statement from Brigitte Macron via French television:
"I want to help teenagers fight against bullying, and if I do not set an example, it will be difficult."
Notable Quotes and Memorable Moments
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On the nature of modern misinformation:
"...the rule of thumb for journalists was if it’s rubbish, don’t talk about it, because you’re simply doing what the people who made it up want you to do... That rule of thumb has disappeared."
— Hugh Schofield [07:43] -
On the personal cost for victims:
"Brigitte’s life had been very adversely affected... her grandchildren had been told and were asking her questions: 'Are you a man, granny?'... things you can understand were very upsetting for the family..."
— Hugh Schofield [06:15] -
Host’s reflection on platforming perpetrators:
"We can't pretend that these people don't exist. We can't pretend that they don't post these things... I want to understand why."
— Anushka Mutanda-Dougherty [02:39] -
On the ripple effect of legal action:
"...it is a kind of victory. But... the sheer mass of messages and postings that are going on out there, I think, mean that this is just a... counterpuff against a torment, a storm."
— Hugh Schofield [10:34]
Key Segment Timestamps
- [01:22] – Introduction of the case and Bertrand Chola
- [02:08] – Interview with Bertrand Chola before the verdict
- [03:51] – Conversation with Hugh Schofield, context on trial and public mood in France
- [06:15] – Testimony from Brigitte Macron’s family to the court
- [07:43] – Changes in journalistic behavior around conspiracy theories
- [08:24] – How misinformation exploits doubt
- [09:35] – Discussion of the Macrons’ multi-pronged legal approach
- [11:47] – Post-conviction interview with Bertrand Chola
- [12:57] – Chola’s reaction to specifics of his conviction
- [13:36] – Brigitte Macron’s public statement on bullying
Conclusion
The episode offers a nuanced look at the complex interplay between free expression, targeted harassment, internet conspiracies, and legal accountability. It highlights both the urgent need for action against cyberbullying and the difficulties in quelling viral falsehoods in the digital age. Listeners come away with a deeper understanding of the personal toll on victims, the ambiguous motivations of perpetrators, and the challenges democracies face in defending truth and dignity online.