Inaccurate Claims Online Damaged Brigitte Macron's Daily Life, Daughter Tells Court

The French first lady's daughter, her daughter, testified to a tribunal in Paris that inaccurate assertions circulating on the internet—such as the unfounded rumor that the French first lady is transgender—have significantly harmed her mother's quality of life.

Auzière, a attorney, served as a witness in the court case of a group of defendants facing charges for internet-based abuse against her mother.

Effects on Everyday Activities

She testified that the first lady now worries constantly about her demeanor, including the clothes she wears to how she stands, due to the concern that any image may be misused to support hateful attacks.

"The outcome is that she systematically needs to be careful to her outfits, her posture, no matter what her activities in her daily life," she testified.

Accused Individuals and Accusations

Ten individuals, between 41 and 60 years old, are facing charges for internet-based bullying. Some had limited online influence, while the rest were more prominent.

Every defendant is charged with posting harmful statements about the first lady's personal life. For some, this involved equating the disparity in years with the French president to offensive labels.

If convicted, they may be sentenced to up to two years in incarceration.

Family Impact

She, a family member from Brigitte Macron's initial union, described how the false claims have led to a "worsening of her physical state" and a "worsening of her quality of life".

She said, "Hardly a day goes by when someone fails to mention this to her."

She emphasized the effects on the family, including her grandchildren being exposed to malicious statements like "She is not truthful" or "Your grandmother is your grandfather".

"She is unsure how to stop it," Auzière stated. "She didn't run for election, she never asked for public attention, and she is constantly experiencing these attacks."

Legal Battle Context

The legal proceedings is part of an ongoing effort in a wider judicial fight targeting the inaccurate allegation that the first lady was male.

The Macrons have pursued a case in America alleging slander targeting a media personality who spread the theory.

The legal filing states that the allegation is completely false and notes that the individual referenced is really Brigitte Macron's older brother.

Accused Individuals' Statements

Throughout the proceedings, several defendants denied the allegations.

• One defendant, holding a public position, stated he "did not mean to inflict damage" and referred to his online statements as satirical.
• A fiction writer claimed that his social media shares were presented as "humor" and voiced worry that the trial could threaten "freedom of expression".
• An art gallery owner testified he posted information since he thought it was a worldwide topic with "implications for the country".

Personal History

The baseless rumor concerning Brigitte Macron's identity spread to some extent because their union has frequently been a subject of discussion online.

The first lady, aged two decades older than Emmanuel Macron, initially encountered Emmanuel Macron when she was a teacher at the institution he attended.

The connection between them evolved through the school's theatre programme, and they married in 2007, after Brigitte Macron's divorce.

Auzière finished her statement by stating that the inaccurate allegations have caused a "storm that does not cease" for Brigitte Macron.