Inaccurate Allegations on Social Media Damaged Brigitte Macron's Daily Life, Daughter Informs Court

Brigitte Macron's daughter, her daughter, has told a Paris court that misleading allegations online—including the groundless claim that Brigitte Macron was born a man—have significantly harmed her mother's quality of life.

She, a 41-year-old lawyer, served as a witness in the court case of ten people accused of digital bullying directed at her mother.

Effects on Daily Life

Auzière explained that Brigitte Macron now feels perpetual anxiety about her demeanor, from her fashion choices to her posture, as a result of the apprehension that any image may be manipulated to support malicious comments.

"The consequence is that she constantly needs to be careful to her clothing, her body language, irrespective of her actions in her daily life," Auzière told the court.

Accused Individuals and Accusations

Eight men and two women, aged 41 to 60, are on trial for online harassment. A few had a small social media following, while several more were more prominent.

All is charged with making malicious comments about the first lady's gender and sexuality. In certain cases, this included equating her age difference with the French president to inappropriate terms.

If found responsible, they face a maximum of two years in prison.

Effect on Relatives

She, one of three children from Brigitte Macron's initial union, described how the inaccurate allegations have resulted in a "decline of her physical state" and a "decline of her overall existence".

She explained, "Scarcely a day goes by when a person avoids discussing the issue to her."

Auzière highlighted the repercussions on loved ones, for example her grandchildren hearing hurtful comments like "She is lying" or "Your grandmother was born male".

"She has no idea what to do about it," she remarked. "She holds no office, she didn't pursue public attention, and she is permanently experiencing these assaults."

Legal Battle Background

This case represents a recent development in a extended court case against the baseless theory that the first lady is supposedly a man.

They have pursued a case in America for defamation against a political commentator who promoted the allegation.

The lawsuit asserts that the allegation is entirely inaccurate and points out that the name mentioned is actually Brigitte Macron's brother.

Defendants' Responses

In court, several defendants rejected the accusations.

• An individual, serving as a local official, claimed he "had no purpose to inflict damage" and referred to his social media content as humorous.
• Another defendant stated that his online activity were presented as "humor" and voiced worry that the trial could endanger "the right to speak freely".
• A third defendant testified he shared posts because he felt it was an international matter with "implications for the country".

Past Context

The inaccurate claim regarding Brigitte Macron's gender spread partly because their marriage has frequently been a topic of comment in digital spaces.

She, aged significantly older than Emmanuel Macron, initially encountered the future president when she was a educator at his secondary school.

Their bond developed through the school's theatre programme, and they wed in the following year, subsequent to her separation.

She finished her testimony by stating that the baseless rumors have produced a "chaos that continues endlessly" for Brigitte Macron.