🔗 Share this article

Brigitte Macron's child, her daughter, has told a tribunal in Paris that inaccurate assertions spread through social media—such as the baseless theory that the French first lady was born a man—have significantly harmed her mother's quality of life.

She, a 41-year-old lawyer, appeared as a testifier in the legal proceedings of a group of defendants allegedly involved in digital bullying targeting Brigitte Macron.

Effects on Personal Routine

Auzière stated that her mother now feels perpetual anxiety about her demeanor, from her attire to the way she carries herself, due to the fear that any image could be distorted to advance negative campaigns.

"The consequence is that she always has to pay attention to her outfits, how she holds herself, regardless of she's doing in her daily life," she testified.

Defendants and Allegations

Eight men and two women, between 41 and 60 years old, are in court for online harassment. Several had a small social media following, while the rest were better known.

All is accused of making malicious comments about Brigitte Macron's identity. For some, this involved equating her age difference with Emmanuel Macron to offensive labels.

Upon being found guilty, they may be sentenced to up to two years in incarceration.

Family Impact

She, one of three children from Brigitte Macron's previous marriage, stated how the false claims have caused a "deterioration of her health" and a "worsening of her quality of life".

She explained, "Scarcely a day goes by when an individual does not talk this to her."

She emphasized the effects on her relatives, for example the kids being exposed to hurtful comments like "Your grandmother is not truthful" or "She was born male".

"She is unsure how to end it," Auzière stated. "She's not elected, she didn't pursue any of this, and she is permanently experiencing these assaults."

Judicial Proceedings History

The legal proceedings is the latest phase in a broader legal battle against the false claim that Brigitte Macron was a man.

The couple have pursued a case in America over false statements against a conservative podcaster who spread the allegation.

The case clarifies that the accusation is totally unfounded and notes that the person cited is really her brother.

Trial Testimonies

Throughout the proceedings, several defendants rejected the accusations.

• One defendant, serving as a local official, stated he "did not mean to hurt anyone" and referred to his online statements as ironic.
• A fiction writer argued that his posts were meant to be "satire" and highlighted apprehension that the legal action could endanger "free speech".
• Another individual explained he shared posts because he felt it was a worldwide topic with "impact on the nation".

Past Context

The baseless rumor concerning Brigitte Macron's identity spread partly because their union has often been a point of interest in digital spaces.

Brigitte Macron, aged two decades older than Emmanuel Macron, first met Emmanuel Macron when serving as a instructor at his secondary school.

Their bond developed through drama activities, and they entered into marriage in that year, subsequent to her divorce.

She concluded her account by stating that the baseless rumors have created a "whirlwind that never stops" for her mother.