Inaccurate Claims on the Internet Damaged Brigitte Macron's Quality of Life, Daughter Testifies to the Tribunal

The French first lady's daughter, her daughter, testified to a judicial body in Paris that misleading allegations spread through social media—such as the baseless theory that the French first lady is transgender—have negatively impacted her mother's daily existence.

She, a legal professional, served as a witness in the legal proceedings of a group of defendants facing charges for internet-based abuse against Brigitte Macron.

Impact on Everyday Activities

Auzière explained that her mother now worries constantly about her appearance, including her fashion choices to the way she carries herself, due to the apprehension that each snapshot might be manipulated to support hateful attacks.

"The outcome is that she always has to pay attention to her clothing, her body language, no matter what her actions in everyday routine," Auzière informed the judges.

Accused Individuals and Charges

Eight men and two women, in that age range, are in court for internet-based bullying. Some had a small social media following, while several more were more visible.

All is accused of spreading defamatory content about the first lady's gender and sexuality. For some, this involved linking her age difference with her husband to offensive labels.

Upon being found guilty, they could receive up to two years in jail.

Family Impact

Auzière, a family member from Brigitte Macron's previous marriage, stated how the false claims have led to a "worsening of her physical state" and a "worsening of her daily happiness".

She testified, "Scarcely a day goes by when someone does not talk this to her."

She pointed out the impact on loved ones, including the kids hearing hurtful comments like "Brigitte is not truthful" or "She is your grandfather".

"She is unsure how to stop it," she remarked. "She holds no office, she has not sought public attention, and she is constantly subjected to this abuse."

Judicial Proceedings History

The Paris trial represents a recent development in a wider judicial fight targeting the baseless theory that she was male.

The Macrons have initiated a legal action in the United States over false statements against a media personality who spread the allegation.

The case states that the allegation is completely false and notes that the name mentioned is really Brigitte Macron's older brother.

Accused Individuals' Statements

Throughout the proceedings, several defendants rejected the allegations.

• A retired business owner, now a deputy mayor, claimed he "had no purpose to hurt anyone" and described his social media content as ironic.
• Another defendant claimed that his social media shares were meant to be "irony" and voiced worry that the trial could threaten "free speech".
• A third defendant said he disseminated content since he thought it was a global issue with "impact on the nation".

Personal History

The baseless rumor about the first lady's identity spread partly because their union has long been a point of interest on the internet.

She, aged two decades older than her husband, initially encountered the future president when serving as a educator at the institution he attended.

Their relationship evolved through drama activities, and they wed in that year, after Brigitte Macron's separation.

Auzière wrapped up her testimony by saying that the inaccurate allegations have produced a "whirlwind that does not cease" for her mother.