The Story Brigitte Macron vs the conspiracy theorists
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Oct 28, 2025 Join Charles Bremner, seasoned Paris correspondent for The Times, as he unpacks the bizarre conspiracy surrounding Brigitte Macron's identity. Discover how false allegations emerged and gained traction through social media and right-wing influencers like Candace Owens. Charles explores the ten people on trial for cyberbullying and the Macrons' legal battle against the spread of lies. Dive into the political implications of these rumors and the challenges of combating fake news in today's world.
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Online Rumours Go Global Fast
- Online conspiracy theories rapidly globalise fringe claims far beyond their origin communities.
- Influencers with large followings can turn niche rumours into international controversies.
Yellow Vest Figures Amplified The Claim
- Natasha Ray and Amandine Roy amplified the rumour with YouTube broadcasts during the Yellow Vest era.
- Their videos in late 2020 and early 2021 helped the story take off online.
Litigation Can Amplify Misinformation
- Legal action can unintentionally boost attention to false claims if it coincides with high-profile coverage.
- Google Trends showed the rumour peaked when the Macrons sued Candace Owens in the US.