Dozens jailed in France’s largest cyberbully case
In France’s largest cyberbullying case yet, 28 people have been sent to jail for up to 18 months for harassing an influencer.
The judges found them guilty of harassing Magali Berdah, prompted by a campaign led by the French rapper Booba against “thieving influencers.”
The Paris court heard that the harassment seriously affected Berdah’s mental health.
Booba is facing a separate trial and denies the accusations of aggravated harassment.
Berdah has a successful career in France as a lifestyle and fashion expert, also promoting other social media stars through her company Shauna Events.
According to her lawyers, posts by Booba, whose real name is Élie Yaffa, encouraged a “mob” of people online to send hateful and insulting messages to Berdah, although Booba denies this.
The court said each defendant willingly participated in the cyberbullying.
The defendants, aged between 20 and 49, received jail terms ranging from four to 18 months, with some sentences being suspended.
Berdah, known as “the queen of influencers” in France, described the verdict as a “beautiful victory,” having previously shared with the court how the bullying had pushed her to the brink of suicide.
