Inaccurate Claims on Social Media Damaged Brigitte Macron's Quality of Life, Daughter Tells Judges

The French first lady's child, her daughter, has told a judicial body in Paris that inaccurate assertions online—such as the groundless claim that Brigitte Macron had a male birth identity—have negatively impacted her mother's personal well-being.

She, a 41-year-old lawyer, was called as a witness in the legal proceedings of ten people accused of online harassment targeting the first lady.

Effects on Everyday Activities

She testified that Brigitte Macron now feels perpetual anxiety about her demeanor, including her attire to how she stands, as a result of the apprehension that every photograph could be manipulated to support negative campaigns.

"The consequence is that she constantly has to pay attention to what she wears, her posture, irrespective of her actions in day-to-day existence," she told the court.

Accused Individuals and Allegations

Ten individuals, in that age range, are in court for online harassment. A few had modest digital reach, while several more were more prominent.

Each one is accused of posting harmful statements about Brigitte Macron's gender and sexuality. For some, this involved linking the age gap with her husband to hurtful comparisons.

If convicted, they face up to two years in prison.

Consequences for Loved Ones

She, a daughter from Brigitte Macron's first marriage, explained how the false claims have led to a "worsening of her health" and a "worsening of her overall existence".

She explained, "Not a day goes by when a person avoids discussing these claims to her."

Auzière highlighted the repercussions on loved ones, for example the kids learning about hurtful comments like "She is deceptive" or "Your grandmother is actually a man".

"She does not know how to end it," Auzière remarked. "She holds no office, she didn't pursue public attention, and she is constantly facing these assaults."

Court Case Context

The legal proceedings is part of an ongoing effort in a extended court case against the baseless theory that the first lady is transgender.

The couple have pursued a legal action in the United States over false statements against a political commentator who promoted the claim.

The lawsuit asserts that the claim is completely false and points out that the individual referenced is really her older brother.

Accused Individuals' Statements

Throughout the proceedings, a few individuals denied the accusations.

• A retired business owner, serving as a local official, asserted he "never intended to inflict damage" and referred to his online statements as satirical.
• Another defendant claimed that his posts were presented as "satire" and voiced worry that the case could undermine "the right to speak freely".
• A third defendant testified he posted posts because he felt it was a worldwide topic with "consequences for France".

Personal History

The false theory regarding the first lady's identity circulated partly because their marriage has often been a subject of discussion on the internet.

She, being 24 years older than Emmanuel Macron, first met the future president when serving as a teacher at the institution he attended.

Their relationship developed through drama activities, and they entered into marriage in that year, following Brigitte Macron's separation.

She wrapped up her account by stating that the baseless rumors have caused a "whirlwind that continues endlessly" for the first lady.