The Psychology of Fear-Driven Media

Hackers allegedly changed Brigitte Macron’s personal tax record to “Jean Michael” in a sexist smear campaign, fueling false rumors about her gender. Candace Owens amplified the story online, sparking debate and raising concerns about misinformation, fear-driven media, and the responsibility of public figures. We break down the French legal context, the challenges of proving claims in court, and the importance of fact-checking in today’s viral news environment.