Natacha Rey, the French journalist who alleged that Brigitte Macron, wife of French President Emmanuel Macron, was born a man, is reportedly seeking political asylum in Russia. Citing persecution in France, Rey and her lawyer, François Danglehant, told Russian media that they view Russia as a defender of free speech and traditional values.
Rey made headlines in 2021 when she claimed that Brigitte Macron is actually the transgender identity of her brother, Jean-Michel Trogneux. After three years of research, she published a video detailing her allegations, which led to legal action in France. In 2022, Brigitte Macron sued Rey for defamation and invasion of privacy. A Paris court later fined the journalist and ordered her to pay €8,000 ($8,200) in damages.
Explaining her decision to seek asylum, Rey told Russian newspaper Izvestia that she sees Russia as a “great democracy” compared to France, which she accused of suppressing free speech and political opposition. “Russia has been a victim of a disinformation campaign and unjustified attacks by European and American media for decades,” she claimed.
Danglehant, her lawyer, insists that the charges against Rey were fabricated and that false testimony was provided by members of Brigitte Macron’s former family, including her ex-husband, Jean-Louis Auzière. He added that his client believes she will be “respected” in Russia and compared her situation to that of Edward Snowden, the former NSA contractor who was granted asylum in Russia after leaking classified U.S. intelligence documents.
While some reports suggested Rey had already requested asylum from Russian officials, Deputy Speaker of the State Duma Pyotr Tolstoy denied receiving any formal application. Rey’s lawyer clarified that she has not yet submitted her request but plans to do so through the Russian Embassy in Paris soon.
Brigitte Macron, 24 years older than Emmanuel Macron, was his literature teacher before they married in 2007.
