False Assertions Online Negatively Impacted Brigitte Macron's Daily Life, Daughter Testifies to Judges

Brigitte Macron's child, her daughter, informed a judicial body in Paris that misleading allegations circulating on the internet—among them the unfounded rumor that she had a male birth identity—have significantly harmed her mother's daily existence.

She, a 41-year-old lawyer, was called as a witness in the legal proceedings of 10 individuals facing charges for digital bullying against her mother.

Effects on Daily Life

Auzière testified that her mother now is always concerned about how she looks, such as her fashion choices to how she stands, because of the fear that every photograph might be misused to support negative campaigns.

"The result is that she constantly has to pay attention to her clothing, her body language, no matter what she's doing in day-to-day existence," she told the court.

Defendants and Allegations

Ten individuals, in that age range, are on trial for internet-based bullying. A few had a small social media following, while the rest were more visible.

Each one is alleged to have posting harmful statements about the first lady's personal life. For some, this included linking the age gap with the French president to hurtful comparisons.

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

Family Impact

She, a family member from her mother's first marriage, explained how the baseless rumors have led to a "deterioration of her physical state" and a "deterioration of her daily happiness".

She said, "Scarcely a day goes by when an individual fails to mention this to her."

She pointed out the repercussions on her relatives, for example her grandchildren learning about malicious statements like "Your grandmother is deceptive" or "She was born male".

"She is unsure how to stop it," she testified. "She didn't run for election, she didn't pursue public attention, and she is constantly facing these attacks."

Judicial Proceedings Background

The legal proceedings represents a recent development in a extended court case addressing the baseless theory that Brigitte Macron is transgender.

The couple have pursued a case in America for defamation against a media personality who amplified the theory.

The case clarifies that the claim is entirely inaccurate and notes that the individual referenced is actually Brigitte Macron's brother.

Trial Testimonies

Throughout the proceedings, a few individuals rejected the allegations.

• An individual, now a deputy mayor, stated he "never intended to cause harm" and referred to his online statements as ironic.
• Another defendant stated that his online activity were presented as "satire" and expressed concern that the case could undermine "freedom of expression".
• A third defendant testified he posted information as he believed it was a worldwide topic with "impact on the nation".

Relationship Background

The baseless rumor regarding the first lady's sex gained traction to some extent because the Macrons' relationship has frequently been a subject of discussion online.

She, who is significantly older than the president, originally knew Emmanuel Macron when serving as a instructor at the institution he attended.

The connection between them developed through drama activities, and they wed in 2007, subsequent to Brigitte Macron's separation.

Auzière wrapped up her testimony by stating that the false claims have produced a "chaos that continues endlessly" for the first lady.