Inaccurate Claims Online Harmed Brigitte Macron's Well-being, Daughter Tells the Tribunal

The French first lady's daughter, her daughter, informed a judicial body in Paris that inaccurate assertions circulating on the internet—among them the baseless theory that Brigitte Macron was born a man—have severely damaged her mother's personal well-being.

Auzière, a attorney, appeared as a testifier in the court case of ten people accused of internet-based abuse directed at the first lady.

Impact on Everyday Activities

Auzière testified that the first lady now feels perpetual anxiety about how she looks, from the clothes she wears to her posture, due to the apprehension that each snapshot may be distorted to fuel negative campaigns.

"The consequence is that she always has to pay attention to her outfits, how she holds herself, irrespective of she's doing in everyday routine," Auzière testified.

Those on Trial and Accusations

Ten individuals, aged 41 to 60, are facing charges for digital abuse. A few had a small social media following, while the rest were more prominent.

Every defendant is accused of making malicious comments about Brigitte Macron's personal life. Among them, this included linking the age gap with her husband to inappropriate terms.

If convicted, they could receive as much as 24 months in jail.

Effect on Relatives

She, one of three children from her mother's previous marriage, described how the baseless rumors have led to a "deterioration of her health" and a "decline of her quality of life".

She said, "Scarcely a day passes when a person does not talk the issue to her."

Auzière emphasized the impact on loved ones, including the kids learning about malicious statements like "She is not truthful" or "Your grandmother is actually a man".

"She is unsure how to end it," she stated. "She didn't run for election, she has not sought any of this, and she is constantly facing these attacks."

Court Case History

The Paris trial is the latest phase in a wider judicial fight targeting the inaccurate allegation that Brigitte Macron is male.

The Macrons have initiated a legal action in the United States for defamation targeting a conservative podcaster who promoted the theory.

The legal filing states that the claim is entirely inaccurate and points out that the person cited is actually her brother.

Accused Individuals' Statements

During the trial, several defendants disputed the accusations.

• A retired business owner, now a deputy mayor, claimed he "had no purpose to hurt anyone" and referred to his online statements as humorous.
• A well-known publicist argued that his social media shares were intended as "irony" and expressed concern that the case could undermine "freedom of expression".
• An art gallery owner testified he shared posts as he believed it was a global issue with "impact on the nation".

Past Context

The baseless rumor about the first lady's identity circulated partly because their union has long been a subject of discussion in digital spaces.

She, being two decades older than the president, initially encountered him when she was a educator at the institution he attended.

Their relationship grew through drama activities, and they entered into marriage in that year, after Brigitte Macron's divorce.

She concluded her statement by saying that the baseless rumors have created a "storm that does not cease" for her mother.