Fact check: What are the origins of the rumors about Brigitte Macron's gender?

1. Summary of the results

The origins of the rumors about Brigitte Macron's gender are complex and multifaceted, involving various individuals and groups ^[1]. According to ^[1], two French women, Natacha Rey and Amandine Roy, were found guilty of slander for spreading unsubstantiated rumors about Brigitte Macron's gender identity. The conspiracy theory surrounding Brigitte Macron's gender identity was popularized by US commentator Candace Owens, as reported by ^[3]. ^[4] provides an overview of the conspiracy theory, including the claim that Brigitte Macron was born a man named Jean-Michel Trogneux. The rumors were spread by the far-right and other groups opposed to President Emmanuel Macron, as noted by ^[1] and ^[5]. ^[2] suggests that these claims are often linked to anti-transgender rhetoric and are used to undermine the women's influence and challenge their gender identities. The Macrons are seeking to prove that the allegations are false and have announced plans to present photographic and scientific evidence in court, as reported by ^[6].

2. Missing context/alternative viewpoints

A key missing context in the original statement is the role of social media and online spaces in spreading the rumors, as mentioned by ^[6], which notes that the rumor originated from fringe online spaces. Another missing context is the wider trend of conspiracy theories targeting prominent women in politics and culture, as discussed by ^[2]. Alternative viewpoints, such as the potential motivations behind the rumors, including the possibility that they are being used to undermine Brigitte Macron's influence and challenge her gender identity, are also important to consider, as suggested by ^[2]. Additionally, the lack of evidence to support the claims about Brigitte Macron's gender identity is a crucial context, as reported by ^[1] and ^[3]. The impact of the rumors on Brigitte Macron and her family is also an important consideration, as noted by ^[7], which provides background information on Brigitte Macron's life and relationship with Emmanuel Macron.

3. Potential misinformation/bias in the original statement

The original statement may be misleading in that it does not provide context about the origins of the rumors or the motivations behind them, as discussed by ^[1], ^[3], and ^[2]. The statement may also be biased in that it does not acknowledge the lack of evidence to support the claims about Brigitte Macron's gender identity, as reported by ^[1] and ^[3]. Furthermore, the statement may be incomplete in that it does not consider the wider trend of conspiracy theories targeting prominent women in politics and culture, as discussed by ^[2]. The individuals and groups who benefit from this framing, such as Candace Owens and other promoters of the conspiracy theory, as well as the far-right and other groups opposed to President Emmanuel Macron, as noted by ^[1] and ^[5], may be using the rumors to undermine Brigitte Macron's influence and challenge her gender identity ^[2].