Inaccurate Assertions on the Internet Damaged Brigitte Macron's Quality of Life, Child Tells Court

The French first lady's child, her daughter, testified to a judicial body in Paris that misleading allegations online—including the baseless theory that she had a male birth identity—have significantly harmed her mother's quality of life.

She, a 41-year-old lawyer, served as a testifier in the trial of 10 individuals accused of online harassment directed at Brigitte Macron.

Impact on Daily Life

She testified that the first lady now worries constantly about her appearance, such as her fashion choices to the way she carries herself, due to the apprehension that any image may be distorted to fuel hateful attacks.

"The outcome is that she always has to pay attention to what she wears, her body language, regardless of her actions in day-to-day existence," she testified.

Accused Individuals and Charges

Eight men and two women, aged 41 to 60, are in court for online harassment. Several had a small social media following, while others were better known.

All is accused of posting harmful statements about Brigitte Macron's gender and sexuality. Among them, this extended to comparing the disparity in years with Emmanuel Macron to hurtful comparisons.

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

Consequences for Loved Ones

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

She explained, "Not a day passes when a person avoids discussing these claims to her."

Auzière emphasized the impact on the family, for example the younger generation hearing false assertions like "She is lying" or "She is your grandfather".

"She does not know how to end it," she testified. "She's not elected, she never asked for any of this, and she is continually facing these attacks."

Judicial Proceedings History

The legal proceedings represents a recent development in a broader legal battle addressing the inaccurate allegation that she is transgender.

The Macrons have also filed a US lawsuit alleging slander targeting a media personality who amplified the theory.

The case asserts that the accusation is completely false and points out that the individual referenced is actually her sibling.

Defendants' Responses

In court, some of the accused denied the charges.

• An individual, serving as a local official, claimed he "had no purpose to cause harm" and described his social media content as ironic.
• Another defendant claimed that his social media shares were presented as "humor" and voiced worry that the trial could threaten "free speech".
• Another individual said he posted posts because he felt it was a worldwide topic with "consequences for France".

Past Context

The false theory about Brigitte Macron's identity circulated partly because their marriage has long been a point of interest online.

The first lady, aged two decades older than Emmanuel Macron, originally knew him when working as a instructor at his school.

Their bond evolved through drama activities, and they married in that year, following her marriage dissolution.

Auzière finished her account by expressing that the baseless rumors have produced a "storm that never stops" for Brigitte Macron.