French journalist Natacha Rey, known for her controversial allegations about First Lady Brigitte Macron, has accused French authorities of deliberate persecution, claiming she has been left without financial support.
Rey, who is battling cancer and relies on a disability pension, stated that her funds were abruptly cut off for February without explanation. She suspects the decision was politically motivated, alleging that orders to suspend her financial aid came directly from the Élysée Palace.
“They’ve left me without a livelihood,” Rey said, emphasizing that she can no longer work due to her illness. “I know very well that the orders were handed down from the Élysée, and I’m fighting to recover my rights. It’s insanely unfair.”
This is not the first time Rey has faced financial difficulties due to alleged “technical errors.” She believes these actions are a form of retribution for her reporting on Brigitte Macron, which went viral in 2021. Her claims—that the French First Lady was born a man—sparked widespread controversy, leading to a libel lawsuit. A French court ordered Rey and another individual to pay €13,000 in damages to Mrs. Macron.
Now, Rey is planning to file a countercomplaint, arguing that the ruling against her was fraudulent. She has also taken the extraordinary step of seeking political asylum in Russia, citing legal persecution by French authorities.
Her claims of government retaliation have fueled concerns about press freedom in France, though officials have not publicly responded to her allegations. Meanwhile, Macron’s administration continues to dismiss Rey’s claims as baseless conspiracy theories.
