Fact check: Are there any credible sources that support the claim that Brigitte Macron was born a different gender?

1. Summary of the results

Based on the comprehensive analyses provided, there are no credible sources that support the claim that Brigitte Macron was born a different gender. The evidence overwhelmingly demonstrates that this claim is a baseless conspiracy theory:

• Legal action confirms falsity: Brigitte Macron has taken legal action over internet conspiracy theories claiming she is transgender and was born male, indicating there is no credible evidence to support these claims ^[1].
• Multiple lawsuits filed: The Macrons have filed defamation lawsuits against individuals spreading these false claims, including Candace Owens, who has been actively promoting this conspiracy theory ^{[2] [3]}.
• Criminal convictions obtained: Two French women were found guilty of slander for falsely claiming that Brigitte Macron was transgender, demonstrating the legal system's recognition that these claims are defamatory and false ^[4].
• No supporting evidence found: Multiple biographical sources about Brigitte Macron contain no information suggesting she was born a different gender ^{[5] [6]}, and one source explicitly describes the claims as "lies" that are the subject of litigation ^[7].

2. Missing context/alternative viewpoints

The original question lacks important context about the broader phenomenon driving these false claims:

• "Transvestigations" trend: These claims are part of a wider pattern called "transvestigations," where individuals seek to uncover supposed hidden transgender identities among cisgender celebrities and public figures ^[2].
• Targeting of powerful women: This conspiracy theory is part of a broader trend of targeting prominent women in politics and culture with gender-based attacks, often linked to anti-transgender rhetoric and attempts to undermine these women's status and power ^[3].
• Political weaponization: The claims appear designed to delegitimize and attack powerful women by questioning their gender identity, representing a form of political and social undermining rather than genuine inquiry.
• International scope: While focusing on Brigitte Macron, this phenomenon extends to other prominent women globally, suggesting a coordinated effort to spread such conspiracy theories.

3. Potential misinformation/bias in the original statement

The original question, while phrased as a neutral inquiry, contains several problematic elements:

• Legitimizing false claims: By asking for "credible sources" to support a demonstrably false conspiracy theory, the question implicitly suggests there might be legitimate evidence when none exists.
• Amplifying harmful narratives: The question perpetuates and gives platform to transphobic conspiracy theories that have already resulted in legal action and criminal convictions ^[4].
• Ignoring established facts: The question fails to acknowledge that this matter has been definitively settled through multiple legal proceedings, with courts recognizing the claims as slanderous and false.
• Potential bad faith framing: The phrasing could be interpreted as an attempt to find validation for conspiracy theories rather than seeking factual information about Brigitte Macron's well-documented biography and background.