Misleading Allegations Online Harmed Brigitte Macron's Well-being, Daughter Informs the Tribunal

The French first lady's child, her daughter, testified to a tribunal in Paris that misleading allegations spread through social media—including the baseless theory that the French first lady had a male birth identity—have significantly harmed her mother's personal well-being.

She, a legal professional, was called as a testifier in the trial of 10 individuals facing charges for online harassment against the first lady.

Effects on Personal Routine

Auzière testified that her mother now worries constantly about how she looks, including the clothes she wears to how she stands, as a result of the fear that every photograph may be manipulated to support negative campaigns.

"The outcome is that she systematically needs to be careful to what she wears, her posture, regardless of her actions in her daily life," she informed the judges.

Defendants and Allegations

The defendants, between 41 and 60 years old, are facing charges for digital abuse. Some had a small social media following, while several more were more prominent.

All is alleged to have making malicious comments about Brigitte Macron's gender and sexuality. For some, this included comparing the disparity in years with her husband to inappropriate terms.

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

Family Impact

She, one of three children from her mother's previous marriage, described how the baseless rumors have led to a "deterioration of her well-being" and a "deterioration of her quality of life".

She said, "Scarcely a day goes by when a person fails to mention these claims to her."

Auzière pointed out the effects on the family, including the younger generation learning about false assertions like "Your grandmother is deceptive" or "Your grandmother is actually a man".

"She has no idea how to end it," Auzière remarked. "She didn't run for election, she didn't pursue anything, and she is continually facing these attacks."

Legal Battle History

The legal proceedings represents a recent development in a wider judicial fight against the false claim that the first lady was a man.

They have pursued a legal action in the United States for defamation involving a media personality who amplified the claim.

The case clarifies that the claim is entirely inaccurate and points out that the person cited is really her older brother.

Trial Testimonies

Throughout the proceedings, some of the accused disputed the accusations.

• A retired business owner, serving as a local official, claimed he "had no purpose to hurt anyone" and referred to his social media content as humorous.
• A well-known publicist stated that his online activity were presented as "humor" and expressed concern that the trial could endanger "free speech".
• A third defendant testified he disseminated content because he felt it was a global issue with "consequences for France".

Personal History

The inaccurate claim regarding Brigitte Macron's identity circulated in part because the Macrons' relationship has frequently been a point of interest online.

She, who is significantly older than her husband, first met the future president when serving as a educator at the institution he attended.

Their bond developed through theatrical projects, and they married in 2007, following her marriage dissolution.

She finished her testimony by stating that the false claims have created a "storm that continues endlessly" for her mother.