Misleading Assertions on the Internet Damaged Brigitte Macron's Daily Life, Daughter Informs Court

The French first lady's child, her daughter, has told a judicial body in Paris that inaccurate assertions spread through social media—such as the groundless claim that she is transgender—have negatively impacted her mother's personal well-being.

She, a attorney, served as a testifier in the legal proceedings of 10 individuals allegedly involved in digital bullying directed at the first lady.

Impact on Everyday Activities

Auzière explained that Brigitte Macron now worries constantly about her demeanor, such as the clothes she wears to the way she carries herself, as a result of the concern that any image may be manipulated to advance negative campaigns.

"The outcome is that she always needs to be careful to what she wears, how she holds herself, regardless of she's doing in everyday routine," she informed the judges.

Defendants and Allegations

Ten individuals, aged 41 to 60, are on trial for internet-based bullying. Several had modest digital reach, while others were more prominent.

Every defendant is accused of spreading defamatory content about Brigitte Macron's personal life. For some, this involved comparing her age difference with Emmanuel Macron to hurtful comparisons.

Upon being found guilty, they face as much as 24 months in prison.

Consequences for Loved Ones

Auzière, one of three children from Brigitte Macron's initial union, explained how the inaccurate allegations have led to a "deterioration of her health" and a "deterioration of her quality of life".

She said, "Scarcely a day goes by when someone avoids discussing this to her."

She emphasized the impact on the family, including the younger generation hearing false assertions like "Your grandmother is not truthful" or "Your grandmother was born male".

"She is unsure how to end it," she testified. "She's not elected, she never asked for public attention, and she is continually subjected to this abuse."

Court Case Context

The legal proceedings is part of an ongoing effort in a extended court case addressing the inaccurate allegation that she is supposedly male.

The Macrons have also filed a case in America alleging slander targeting a political commentator who promoted the claim.

The legal filing clarifies that the accusation is entirely inaccurate and identifies that the person cited is actually her sibling.

Defendants' Responses

During the trial, several defendants rejected the allegations.

• A retired business owner, serving as a local official, asserted he "never intended to inflict damage" and referred to his online statements as humorous.
• A well-known publicist argued that his posts were meant to be "humor" and expressed concern that the trial could endanger "freedom of expression".
• An art gallery owner said he shared posts as he believed it was an international matter with "consequences for France".

Relationship Background

The false theory about the first lady's sex spread partly because the Macrons' relationship has frequently been a point of interest online.

The first lady, being significantly older than the president, first met the future president when serving as a educator at his school.

Their bond evolved through the school's theatre programme, and they entered into marriage in the following year, following her marriage dissolution.

Auzière concluded her statement by expressing that the inaccurate allegations have caused a "whirlwind that continues endlessly" for her mother.