The small village of Moussages in the Cantal department has been shaken by the heartbreaking death of Caroline Grandjean, a headteacher who took her own life amid sustained homophobic abuse.
Her wife, Christine Paccoud, has spoken out in the wake of the tragedy, urging that Caroline’s death not be in vain.
Wife Pays Tribute and Calls for Awareness
Christine Paccoud, 42, described her partner as a devoted teacher and loving partner.
Speaking to French Television, she said:
“I don’t want her to have left for nothing. We loved each other like crazy.
She was a passionate teacher who knew how to create a climate of trust. The problem comes from outside.”
Caroline Grandjean, 42, tragically jumped off a cliff near her hometown on Monday, after calling France’s national suicide helpline earlier that day to report ongoing harassment and death threats.
Years of Harassment and Lack of Support
The abuse began in 2023 when unidentified individuals in the small village, home to just 300 people, targeted Caroline with homophobic insults.
She went on sick leave but remained under attack.
According to Paccoud, Caroline experienced a “complete lack of support” from her superiors and tensions with some parents compounded her suffering.
Her torment escalated in December 2023, when homophobic graffiti appeared on the school playground.
Caroline suspected villagers had discovered her sexual orientation and marriage.
The harassment continued into 2024, with slurs painted on walls and threats from a so-called “crow”—a local term for an angry neighbor—who was never found despite multiple complaints and a judicial investigation.
Illustrating a Tragic Story
In a poignant twist, Caroline’s struggles were captured in an illustrated book titled School Case, written by Christophe Tardieux, known as Remedium.
The book depicts 14 portraits of teachers facing personal crises, including some who took their own lives.
Tardieux, shocked by the news of Caroline’s death, said:
“It’s a waste, and I feel like nothing was done to prevent it.”
Caroline was the principal of the one-room school in Moussages, and she initially tried to continue her work despite harassment.
The nursery school suggested she transfer or change positions, but she refused.
The abuse eventually forced her to step away from teaching for the 2024 school year.
Foreboding Messages Before Her Death
In the months leading up to her death, Caroline shared her struggles openly with colleagues.
In January 2025, she wrote on a forum for school principals:
“The start of the school year is always a very difficult time for me.
In concrete terms, the investigation isn’t moving forward.
Since I’m no longer at the school, there’s obviously no more homophobic tagging. They’ve won over there.”
Just days before her death, she posted another troubling message in the same forum:
“Monday, I assure you, will be much more difficult for me at home than for you in your school.”
On Monday, August 31, after calling the suicide helpline at 10:30 am, Caroline’s body was discovered about 30 meters below a cliff near her home.
Five months earlier, she had confided to a friend: “It’s a never-ending story that will end badly.”
The Call for Change
Christine Paccoud hopes that sharing Caroline’s story will raise awareness of the challenges LGBTQ+ individuals still face, especially in small, rural communities.
Her plea is simple yet profound: that Caroline’s life and tragic death will inspire greater understanding and action against homophobic abuse.