Inaccurate Allegations Online Damaged Brigitte Macron's Daily Life, Child Tells Court

The French first lady's daughter, her daughter, informed a judicial body in Paris that false claims online—among them the baseless theory that she is transgender—have negatively impacted her mother's daily existence.

Auzière, a attorney, appeared as a witness in the trial of 10 individuals facing charges for internet-based abuse directed at her mother.

Consequences on Daily Life

Auzière explained that her mother now worries constantly about how she looks, from her attire to her posture, as a result of the fear that any image might be manipulated to advance negative campaigns.

"The result is that she always must be cautious to her outfits, her posture, no matter what she's doing in her daily life," Auzière testified.

Defendants and Accusations

The defendants, between 41 and 60 years old, are facing charges for digital abuse. Several had a small social media following, while others were more prominent.

Every defendant is charged with posting harmful statements about Brigitte Macron's identity. In certain cases, this included comparing the disparity in years with her husband to hurtful comparisons.

If found responsible, they could receive up to two years in prison.

Consequences for Loved Ones

She, one of three children from her mother's first marriage, described how the false claims have caused a "worsening of her health" and a "worsening of her overall existence".

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

She pointed out the repercussions on loved ones, such as the kids learning about malicious statements like "She is not truthful" or "She was born male".

"She has no idea how to end it," she testified. "She didn't run for election, she didn't pursue public attention, and she is constantly experiencing these assaults."

Court Case Background

The Paris trial is the latest phase in a wider judicial fight against the baseless theory that Brigitte Macron is transgender.

The Macrons have also filed a legal action in the United States for defamation targeting a conservative podcaster who amplified the theory.

The legal filing asserts that the accusation is completely false and points out that the individual referenced is really her brother.

Defendants' Responses

Throughout the proceedings, a few individuals denied the allegations.

• A retired business owner, holding a public position, stated he "never intended to cause harm" and described his social media content as satirical.
• A fiction writer stated that his online activity were presented as "irony" and expressed concern that the trial could endanger "freedom of expression".
• Another individual said he disseminated information because he felt it was an international matter with "consequences for France".

Relationship Background

The inaccurate claim regarding the first lady's identity circulated to some extent because the Macrons' relationship has often been a subject of discussion in digital spaces.

The first lady, being 24 years older than Emmanuel Macron, first met him when she was a educator at the institution he attended.

The connection between them evolved through theatrical projects, and they married in 2007, subsequent to Brigitte Macron's separation.

She concluded her account by saying that the false claims have created a "chaos that does not cease" for her mother.