Brigitte Macron, the First Lady of France, has been enduring a barrage of transphobic rumors for several years, enduring a painful experience that echoes the struggles of iconic singer Sheila.
Sheila, who entered the music scene in the 1960s, was also once victim to similar false news. Just after her career began, she fainted on stage, which led to a journalist's unsubstantiated claims regarding her undergoing hormonal treatment. This resulted in a sensational headline from France Dimanche that claimed, "Sheila risks becoming a man." This notorious headline shattered Sheila's peace, forcing her to go to extreme lengths, including filming her childbirth to silence the speculation.
More than six decades later, Sheila sees the same cruel patterns emerging against Brigitte Macron, expressing her outrage over the matter in an interview with Le Nouvel Observateur. "What is happening to Brigitte Macron is the same story, and it revolts me," Sheila said, voicing her support for the First Lady. "On gender, I respect everyone's choices. A man, a woman, colors, religions—I don't care."
In 2021, the claim surfaced that Brigitte Macron is actually a man named Jean-Michel Trogneux, who is purportedly her brother. This outrageous rumor, spread primarily through social media, gained traction, particularly ignited by independent journalist Natacha Rey's incendiary allegations. This prompted Brigitte and her brother to take legal actions, which subsequently led to Rey and her collaborator, Amandine Roy, being convicted of defamation in September 2024.
Brigitte herself has echoed the painful effects of these rumors. She recounted being distanced at first, but over time, she became aware of the magnitude of the misinformation, particularly when she discovered that her genealogy was being altered in the narratives being spun about her. "They were changing my genealogy. The three-quarters of the family were fine, and then I arrive at my brother, and I am my brother. They were touching my parents' genealogy, and that's impossible," she stated on RTL.
President Emmanuel Macron has supported his wife publicly, condemning the spread of false narratives that invade their privacy, describing them as "the worst thing." He lamented, "These false information and scenarios are constructed by fanatics who believe them and disrupt your intimacy." He emphasized the fight for equal rights, stating, "The feminist fight is not just a women's struggle, but a battle for both men and women."
In a recent talk show appearance, Brigitte's daughter, Tiphaine Auzière, vehemently dismissed the unsubstantiated claims surrounding her mother, likening them to conspiracy theories stating, "We are governed by reptiles, and the Earth is flat. These rumors are absolutely ridiculous."
The fight against this cruel disinformation has led Brigitte Macron to take proactive steps. She has filed multiple complaints, leading to significant court rulings against those spreading falsehoods. Most notably, in the September ruling, two women were ordered to pay damages amounting to 8,000 euros to Brigitte Macron and an additional 5,000 euros to her brother.
Sheila, who is set to release her 28th album, À l’avenir, and celebrate her 80th birthday this August, shared her perspective on these rumors. She expressed her dismay over the cruelty embedded in some media narratives, arguing that such rumors will always abound due to the perceived entertainment they offer to certain media outlets and social networks. "These rumors will always exist because they enrich certain press and social networks with absolute cruelty. The only difference is that today, pregnant, I would have posed naked to silence them. At the time, that was not done," she asserted.
Sheila's journey offers insights into the ever-relevant fight against discrimination. Throughout her career, she has used her platform to advocate for respect and dignity. In her candid discussions, she emphasizes the importance of respect for personal choices concerning gender, race, or beliefs.
Reflecting on her legacy, Sheila, who has spent over 60 years in the music industry, continues to perform and speak out against injustice. Her rigorous training as a classical dancer keeps her in top form, showcasing her vitality even as she approaches her 80th year.
As the rumors surrounding Brigitte Macron persist, the involvement of dedicated voices like Sheila's provides support in dismantling the discriminatory narratives. The laws against defamation are a crucial step toward creating a space where individuals can feel secure from baseless attacks. Ultimately, both women showcase the courage to confront falsehoods and promote acceptance and understanding.
