Inaccurate Claims on Social Media Negatively Impacted Brigitte Macron's Daily Life, Child Testifies to the Tribunal

Brigitte Macron's daughter, her daughter, has told a Paris court that inaccurate assertions circulating on the internet—such as the unfounded rumor that Brigitte Macron was born a man—have severely damaged her mother's personal well-being.

Auzière, a 41-year-old lawyer, served as a witness in the court case of 10 individuals facing charges for internet-based abuse directed at Brigitte Macron.

Consequences on Everyday Activities

Auzière stated that Brigitte Macron now worries constantly about how she looks, including her fashion choices to her posture, because of the apprehension that each snapshot may be manipulated to advance malicious comments.

"The consequence is that she always has to pay attention to what she wears, her posture, no matter what her actions in everyday routine," she informed the judges.

Those on Trial and Charges

Eight men and two women, aged 41 to 60, are in court for online harassment. Some had limited online influence, while several more were better known.

Each one is accused of posting harmful statements about the first lady's personal life. For some, this extended to comparing her age difference with her husband to offensive labels.

If convicted, they could receive up to two years in incarceration.

Consequences for Loved Ones

She, a family member from Brigitte Macron's initial union, stated how the baseless rumors have caused a "worsening of her well-being" and a "worsening of her quality of life".

She said, "Not a day goes by when someone fails to mention this to her."

She emphasized the repercussions on loved ones, for example the younger generation learning about malicious statements like "Your grandmother is lying" or "She was born male".

"She is unsure how to stop it," Auzière remarked. "She holds no office, she has not sought public attention, and she is constantly experiencing these assaults."

Legal Battle Context

This case is part of an ongoing effort in a wider judicial fight targeting the false claim that she was transgender.

The couple have also filed a US lawsuit for defamation against a media personality who promoted the allegation.

The lawsuit states that the claim is totally unfounded and points out that the individual referenced is really Brigitte Macron's older brother.

Accused Individuals' Statements

Throughout the proceedings, several defendants rejected the charges.

• An individual, holding a public position, stated he "had no purpose to inflict damage" and referred to his social media content as humorous.
• A well-known publicist claimed that his social media shares were meant to be "satire" and voiced worry that the trial could threaten "free speech".
• A third defendant testified he shared content as he believed it was a global issue with "implications for the country".

Relationship Background

The baseless rumor about the first lady's sex circulated in part because the Macrons' relationship has often been a topic of comment online.

She, being significantly older than Emmanuel Macron, originally knew Emmanuel Macron when working as a teacher at his secondary school.

Their bond evolved through theatrical projects, and they entered into marriage in the following year, following her divorce.

Auzière concluded her statement by expressing that the false claims have caused a "whirlwind that continues endlessly" for the first lady.