🔗 Share this article

Brigitte Macron's daughter, her daughter, informed a judicial body in Paris that inaccurate assertions online—such as the unfounded rumor that the French first lady had a male birth identity—have negatively impacted her mother's quality of life.

She, a legal professional, was called as a testifier in the trial of a group of defendants facing charges for online harassment targeting the first lady.

Impact on Everyday Activities

She explained that her mother now is always concerned about her appearance, including her attire to her posture, as a result of the fear that any image may be misused to advance hateful attacks.

"The result is that she systematically needs to be careful to her outfits, her posture, no matter what she's doing in day-to-day existence," she testified.

Accused Individuals and Charges

Ten individuals, in that age range, are in court for internet-based bullying. Several had limited online influence, while several more were more visible.

Every defendant is charged with making malicious comments about the first lady's identity. For some, this extended to equating the disparity in years with Emmanuel Macron to inappropriate terms.

If found responsible, they could receive a maximum of two years in incarceration.

Consequences for Loved Ones

She, a family member from her mother's initial union, described how the inaccurate allegations have led to a "deterioration of her well-being" and a "worsening of her overall existence".

She said, "Not a day passes when someone fails to mention this to her."

Auzière emphasized the repercussions on her relatives, for example the kids being exposed to malicious statements like "She is lying" or "She is your grandfather".

"She is unsure how to end it," she remarked. "She's not elected, she has not sought any of this, and she is permanently subjected to this abuse."

Court Case Background

This case represents a recent development in a wider judicial fight targeting the false claim that the first lady is a man.

The Macrons have pursued a legal action in the United States alleging slander involving a political commentator who amplified the theory.

The lawsuit asserts that the claim is completely false and notes that the individual referenced is in fact Brigitte Macron's brother.

Trial Testimonies

Throughout the proceedings, some of the accused disputed the allegations.

• One defendant, serving as a local official, stated he "had no purpose to cause harm" and described his social media content as satirical.
• Another defendant claimed that his posts were presented as "irony" and expressed concern that the legal action could endanger "freedom of expression".
• Another individual explained he posted information since he thought it was an international matter with "implications for the country".

Personal History

The inaccurate claim concerning Brigitte Macron's sex gained traction in part because their marriage has frequently been a point of interest in digital spaces.

Brigitte Macron, being significantly older than her husband, first met Emmanuel Macron when serving as a educator at his secondary school.

The connection between them developed through theatrical projects, and they entered into marriage in that year, following her marriage dissolution.

She finished her statement by stating that the baseless rumors have created a "whirlwind that never stops" for Brigitte Macron.