🔗 Share this article

The French first lady's daughter, her daughter, informed a judicial body in Paris that misleading allegations circulating on the internet—among them the unfounded rumor that Brigitte Macron is transgender—have severely damaged her mother's daily existence.

Auzière, a attorney, was called as a witness in the trial of 10 individuals allegedly involved in online harassment targeting the first lady.

Impact on Everyday Activities

She testified that her mother now worries constantly about her appearance, such as her attire to the way she carries herself, due to the fear that every photograph could be manipulated to support hateful attacks.

"The consequence is that she always needs to be careful to her clothing, her body language, regardless of she's doing in everyday routine," Auzière informed the judges.

Those on Trial and Charges

Ten individuals, aged 41 to 60, are in court for online harassment. A few had limited online influence, while the rest were more prominent.

Each one is accused of making malicious comments about the first lady's identity. Among them, this involved equating her age difference with her husband to hurtful comparisons.

Upon being found guilty, they could receive up to two years in jail.

Effect on Relatives

Auzière, one of three children from her mother's initial union, explained how the baseless rumors have led to a "worsening of her physical state" and a "deterioration of her overall existence".

She explained, "Scarcely a day passes when an individual does not talk the issue to her."

Auzière pointed out the effects on loved ones, for example the kids hearing hurtful comments like "She is lying" or "She is actually a man".

"She has no idea how to end it," she testified. "She holds no office, she has not sought anything, and she is permanently subjected to these attacks."

Court Case Context

The legal proceedings is part of an ongoing effort in a wider judicial fight addressing the inaccurate allegation that Brigitte Macron was transgender.

They have initiated a case in America over false statements involving a political commentator who spread the theory.

The case asserts that the accusation is completely false and identifies that the name mentioned is really Brigitte Macron's sibling.

Defendants' Responses

In court, some of the accused rejected the accusations.

• An individual, holding a public position, claimed he "never intended to hurt anyone" and referred to his social media content as humorous.
• Another defendant stated that his posts were presented as "humor" and highlighted apprehension that the legal action could threaten "freedom of expression".
• A third defendant explained he posted information since he thought it was a worldwide topic with "consequences for France".

Relationship Background

The inaccurate claim about Brigitte Macron's identity circulated in part because the Macrons' relationship has often been a subject of discussion on the internet.

Brigitte Macron, who is 24 years older than the president, initially encountered Emmanuel Macron when she was a educator at his school.

The connection between them developed through theatrical projects, and they wed in 2007, subsequent to Brigitte Macron's separation.

She finished her statement by expressing that the false claims have caused a "storm that never stops" for Brigitte Macron.