🔗 Share this article

Brigitte Macron's child, her daughter, has told a judicial body in Paris that false claims online—among them the groundless claim that the French first lady was born a man—have negatively impacted her mother's personal well-being.

Auzière, a attorney, was called as a witness in the court case of 10 individuals allegedly involved in digital bullying targeting the first lady.

Impact on Daily Life

Auzière explained that Brigitte Macron now feels perpetual anxiety about her appearance, such as her attire to how she stands, as a result of the apprehension that each snapshot could be manipulated to advance malicious comments.

"The consequence is that she always needs to be careful to her clothing, her posture, regardless of she's doing in day-to-day existence," Auzière informed the judges.

Those on Trial and Allegations

The defendants, aged 41 to 60, are facing charges for internet-based bullying. Several had a small social media following, while the rest were better known.

Each one is charged with making malicious comments about the first lady's identity. Among them, this included linking the disparity in years with Emmanuel Macron to offensive labels.

If found responsible, they could receive up to two years in prison.

Family Impact

Auzière, a family member from Brigitte Macron's previous marriage, explained how the inaccurate allegations have led to a "decline of her well-being" and a "decline of her quality of life".

She testified, "Not a day passes when someone does not talk these claims to her."

She pointed out the repercussions on her relatives, for example the kids hearing hurtful comments like "Your grandmother is not truthful" or "She was born male".

"She has no idea how to stop it," Auzière remarked. "She's not elected, she never asked for any of this, and she is constantly subjected to this abuse."

Court Case Context

The legal proceedings is the latest phase in a extended court case targeting the baseless theory that she is supposedly male.

They have initiated a legal action in the United States alleging slander involving a conservative podcaster who promoted the claim.

The case clarifies that the claim is entirely inaccurate and notes that the person cited is really her brother.

Trial Testimonies

In court, some of the accused rejected the charges.

• One defendant, now a deputy mayor, stated he "never intended to cause harm" and described his online statements as ironic.
• A well-known publicist argued that his social media shares were presented as "humor" and voiced worry that the legal action could undermine "the right to speak freely".
• A third defendant testified he shared information since he thought it was a worldwide topic with "implications for the country".

Past Context

The baseless rumor about the first lady's gender gained traction partly because the Macrons' relationship has long been a point of interest on the internet.

The first lady, being two decades older than her husband, initially encountered Emmanuel Macron when she was a instructor at the institution he attended.

The connection between them evolved through theatrical projects, and they married in that year, following her marriage dissolution.

She wrapped up her statement by saying that the inaccurate allegations have created a "storm that continues endlessly" for the first lady.