Inaccurate Assertions on Social Media Negatively Impacted Brigitte Macron's Well-being, Daughter Testifies to Court

The French first lady's child, her daughter, testified to a judicial body in Paris that misleading allegations circulating on the internet—among them the groundless claim that Brigitte Macron was born a man—have significantly harmed her mother's personal well-being.

Auzière, a 41-year-old lawyer, appeared as a witness in the court case of ten people accused of digital bullying directed at the first lady.

Impact on Daily Life

She stated that the first lady now feels perpetual anxiety about how she looks, including the clothes she wears to how she stands, as a result of the fear that any image might be distorted to advance hateful attacks.

"The consequence is that she constantly must be cautious to her outfits, how she holds herself, no matter what her activities in day-to-day existence," she testified.

Those on Trial and Charges

The defendants, between 41 and 60 years old, are in court for digital abuse. Some had limited online influence, while the rest were more visible.

Each one is alleged to have making malicious comments about the first lady's identity. Among them, this extended to linking the disparity in years with the French president to inappropriate terms.

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

Family Impact

She, a daughter from Brigitte Macron's previous marriage, explained how the inaccurate allegations have resulted in a "decline of her physical state" and a "worsening of her quality of life".

She explained, "Hardly a day goes by when an individual does not talk the issue to her."

She emphasized the impact on her relatives, for example her grandchildren learning about hurtful comments like "She is lying" or "She was born male".

"She has no idea how to end it," Auzière remarked. "She holds no office, she has not sought public attention, and she is constantly subjected to these attacks."

Legal Battle Background

The legal proceedings is the latest phase in a broader legal battle against the inaccurate allegation that she was a man.

The Macrons have pursued a case in America alleging slander targeting a conservative podcaster who promoted the allegation.

The case clarifies that the claim is completely false and identifies that the name mentioned is really Brigitte Macron's older brother.

Trial Testimonies

In court, a few individuals denied the accusations.

  • A retired business owner, now a deputy mayor, asserted he "never intended to inflict damage" and described his online statements as satirical.
  • A fiction writer claimed that his online activity were presented as "satire" and highlighted apprehension that the trial could endanger "free speech".
  • An art gallery owner explained he posted content because he felt it was an international matter with "impact on the nation".

Personal History

The baseless rumor concerning the first lady's gender gained traction partly because their union has often been a point of interest online.

She, being significantly older than the president, first met him when working as a teacher at the institution he attended.

The connection between them grew through drama activities, and they entered into marriage in the following year, following her marriage dissolution.

Auzière wrapped up her testimony by saying that the baseless rumors have created a "chaos that does not cease" for her mother.

Craig Richardson
Craig Richardson

A tech journalist and software developer with over a decade of experience covering emerging technologies and digital trends.