Misleading Claims Online Harmed Brigitte Macron's Daily Life, Daughter Testifies to the Tribunal

The French first lady's daughter, her daughter, informed a tribunal in Paris that false claims circulating on the internet—among them the unfounded rumor that the French first lady had a male birth identity—have negatively impacted her mother's personal well-being.

Auzière, a 41-year-old lawyer, appeared as a witness in the trial of a group of defendants allegedly involved in digital bullying targeting her mother.

Impact on Daily Life

She testified that Brigitte Macron now worries constantly about how she looks, from the clothes she wears to the way she carries herself, because of the concern that each snapshot may be distorted to advance hateful attacks.

"The result is that she always needs to be careful to what she wears, her body language, regardless of her actions in her daily life," Auzière informed the judges.

Defendants and Allegations

The defendants, in that age range, are facing charges for digital abuse. A few had a small social media following, while the rest were more prominent.

Every defendant is accused of making malicious comments about the first lady's personal life. For some, this included equating the disparity in years with the French president to inappropriate terms.

If found responsible, they may be sentenced to as much as 24 months in prison.

Family Impact

Auzière, a daughter from her mother's first marriage, explained how the inaccurate allegations have caused a "decline of her well-being" and a "deterioration of her daily happiness".

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

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

"She is unsure how to stop it," Auzière testified. "She's not elected, she has not sought any of this, and she is permanently experiencing these attacks."

Court Case Background

The Paris trial is the latest phase in a wider judicial fight targeting the inaccurate allegation that she is a man.

The Macrons have also filed a legal action in the United States alleging slander against a media personality who spread the claim.

The legal filing clarifies that the allegation is completely false and identifies that the name mentioned is in fact Brigitte Macron's older brother.

Accused Individuals' Statements

During the trial, several defendants disputed the allegations.

• A retired business owner, now a deputy mayor, asserted he "never intended to hurt anyone" and described his posts as humorous.
• A well-known publicist claimed that his posts were meant to be "irony" and highlighted apprehension that the case could undermine "freedom of expression".
• A third defendant testified he disseminated content as he believed it was a global issue with "consequences for France".

Personal History

The inaccurate claim about the first lady's sex spread to some extent because their union has frequently been a point of interest on the internet.

The first lady, being significantly older than the president, first met Emmanuel Macron when serving as a instructor at his school.

Their bond evolved through the school's theatre programme, and they entered into marriage in that year, following her separation.

She concluded her statement by saying that the false claims have caused a "chaos that never stops" for the first lady.