Confirmed death: Natacha Rey passed away on September 13, 2026 in Saintes, after having been one of the most publicized figures in the controversy known as the Brigitte Macron affair. This controversial protagonist had launched, as early as December 2021, allegations that were widely circulated by the conspiracy sphere.
In short: the transgender rumor targeting Brigitte Macron gained international prominence, Natacha Rey was sentenced in 2024 and then acquitted on appeal, her funeral took place on September 18 at the Saint-Palais church in Saintes, and her death was announced by sources like Xavier Poussard before being confirmed by several media outlets.
Origin of the Brigitte Macron affair and Natacha Rey’s role
You probably remember the December 2021 YouTube interview where Natacha Rey, presenting herself as a “self-taught journalist,” claimed that Brigitte Macron was born under the identity of Jean-Michel Trogneux. This thesis, described as “completely absurd” by the First Lady, was massively taken up by conspiracy accounts in France and abroad, leading to a wave of publications and media debates starting in 2021 and 2022.
Legal proceedings: conviction and subsequent acquittal on appeal
Judged in September 2024 alongside the medium Amandine Roy, Natacha Rey was initially sentenced to a 500 euros suspended fine for disseminating false information regarding the alleged transgender identity. The appeals court subsequently issued a ruling that acquitted her, bringing an end to a highly discussed judicial phase by the media. For a recap of the facts and judicial timeline, investigative articles have extensively documented these steps.
Discover comprehensive coverage in the press via this article from 20 Minutes and the local account shared by La Dépêche.
Media and international resonance
The controversy left the Francophone circle when influencers like Xavier Poussard and American accounts relayed the allegations, causing international dissemination. The announcement of the death, initially published on X and shared by some far-right accounts, was later confirmed by local and national media, and the funeral held on September 18, 2026, in Saintes was mentioned by the diocese.
Impact on French politics and the Macron family
This affair has fueled a debate on disinformation and its impact on public figures, particularly regarding Brigitte Macron and her entourage. The First Lady had filed a complaint, highlighting the slanderous nature of the claims. The political question remains: how to combat the spread of rumors in a fragmented media landscape? This episode leaves a lasting mark on the French media landscape.
To learn more about the Macron family, their close ones, and the journey of Sébastien Auzière, find detailed files on the family history and other biographical articles on sebastien-auziere.fr: a starting point to better understand the connections and issues behind these revelations.
