False Claims Online Negatively Impacted Brigitte Macron's Quality of Life, Daughter Testifies to Judges

Brigitte Macron's child, her daughter, has told a judicial body in Paris that inaccurate assertions circulating on the internet—such as the baseless theory that she had a male birth identity—have severely damaged her mother's daily existence.

Auzière, a 41-year-old lawyer, was called as a witness in the court case of a group of defendants accused of online harassment targeting the first lady.

Impact on Personal Routine

She stated that the first lady now feels perpetual anxiety about how she looks, including her attire to how she stands, as a result of the apprehension that every photograph could be misused to advance hateful attacks.

"The outcome is that she always has to pay attention to her outfits, how she holds herself, irrespective of she's doing in day-to-day existence," Auzière testified.

Defendants and Allegations

The defendants, aged 41 to 60, are in court for online harassment. A few had a small social media following, while the rest were more visible.

All is alleged to have spreading defamatory content about the first lady's personal life. For some, this included equating her age difference with Emmanuel Macron to hurtful comparisons.

If convicted, they may be sentenced to a maximum of two years in prison.

Family Impact

Auzière, a family member from Brigitte Macron's initial union, stated how the baseless rumors have resulted in a "deterioration of her health" and a "decline of her quality of life".

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

She pointed out the effects on the family, for example her grandchildren learning about malicious statements like "She is lying" or "She was born male".

"She has no idea how to stop it," Auzière remarked. "She's not elected, she has not sought public attention, and she is constantly facing these attacks."

Court Case Context

The Paris trial is the latest phase in a extended court case against the inaccurate allegation that Brigitte Macron is transgender.

The Macrons have also filed a legal action in the United States for defamation involving a political commentator who spread the allegation.

The lawsuit states that the accusation is entirely inaccurate and identifies that the person cited is in fact her sibling.

Defendants' Responses

Throughout the proceedings, some of the accused rejected the allegations.

  • An individual, serving as a local official, claimed he "never intended to inflict damage" and referred to his posts as ironic.
  • A fiction writer claimed that his posts were intended as "humor" and expressed concern that the trial could threaten "freedom of expression".
  • An art gallery owner explained he disseminated information as he believed it was an international matter with "impact on the nation".

Personal History

The false theory regarding Brigitte Macron's identity spread in part because their union has frequently been a subject of discussion in digital spaces.

The first lady, being significantly older than the president, initially encountered Emmanuel Macron when serving as a instructor at the institution he attended.

Their bond developed through theatrical projects, and they wed in the following year, following her separation.

She wrapped up her account by stating that the inaccurate allegations have caused a "chaos that does not cease" for the first lady.

Christie Adams
Christie Adams

A former casino manager turned gambling analyst, specializing in slot machine mechanics and responsible gaming practices.