Misleading Allegations Online Damaged Brigitte Macron's Well-being, Child Informs Judges
The French first lady's child, her daughter, testified to a tribunal in Paris that false claims circulating on the internet—including the unfounded rumor that Brigitte Macron had a male birth identity—have negatively impacted her mother's daily existence.
She, a 41-year-old lawyer, served as a testifier in the court case of ten people accused of digital bullying directed at her mother.
Impact on Personal Routine
Auzière testified that her mother now is always concerned about how she looks, from her attire to her posture, as a result of the concern that each snapshot could be misused to advance negative campaigns.
"The consequence is that she systematically has to pay attention to what she wears, how she holds herself, regardless of she's doing in her daily life," she informed the judges.
Those on Trial and Allegations
Eight men and two women, in that age range, are in court for online harassment. Several had a small social media following, while several more were better known.
Each one is accused of making malicious comments about Brigitte Macron's gender and sexuality. For some, this extended to linking the age gap with her husband to inappropriate terms.
If convicted, they face up to two years in jail.
Consequences for Loved Ones
She, one of three children from her mother's initial union, described how the false claims have led to a "deterioration of her physical state" and a "worsening of her quality of life".
She testified, "Scarcely a day passes when someone does not talk the issue to her."
Auzière highlighted the effects on her relatives, including the younger generation learning about false assertions like "She is not truthful" or "Your grandmother was born male".
"She has no idea how to stop it," Auzière remarked. "She's not elected, she never asked for any of this, and she is permanently facing these attacks."
Court Case History
The Paris trial is part of an ongoing effort in a extended court case addressing the inaccurate allegation that Brigitte Macron is male.
They have initiated a US lawsuit alleging slander targeting a conservative podcaster who spread the theory.
The legal filing asserts that the accusation is entirely inaccurate and points out that the person cited is actually Brigitte Macron's brother.
Accused Individuals' Statements
During the trial, some of the accused denied the charges.
- One defendant, serving as a local official, asserted he "had no purpose to inflict damage" and described his posts 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 explained he posted information because he felt it was a worldwide topic with "implications for the country".
Relationship Background
The inaccurate claim regarding Brigitte Macron's gender gained traction to some extent because their union has long been a topic of comment online.
Brigitte Macron, aged significantly older than the president, originally knew the future president when she was a instructor at his secondary school.
The connection between them grew through drama activities, and they entered into marriage in 2007, subsequent to her marriage dissolution.
She finished her statement by stating that the inaccurate allegations have created a "whirlwind that never stops" for her mother.