Misleading Allegations on the Internet Damaged Brigitte Macron's Quality of Life, Daughter Tells Court

The French first lady's daughter, her daughter, testified to a tribunal in Paris that inaccurate assertions spread through social media—including the baseless theory that the French first lady is transgender—have severely damaged her mother's personal well-being.

Auzière, a legal professional, appeared as a testifier in the trial of ten people allegedly involved in internet-based abuse directed at Brigitte Macron.

Consequences on Personal Routine

She explained that Brigitte Macron now feels perpetual anxiety about how she looks, including her fashion choices to her posture, due to the fear that any image might be misused to advance hateful attacks.

"The result is that she constantly needs to be careful to her clothing, her posture, no matter what her actions in day-to-day existence," she testified.

Accused Individuals and Allegations

Ten individuals, in that age range, are on trial for online harassment. Some had modest digital reach, while several more were more prominent.

All is alleged to have posting harmful statements about Brigitte Macron's personal life. For some, this involved linking her age difference with the French president to hurtful comparisons.

If convicted, they could receive a maximum of two years in jail.

Effect on Relatives

Auzière, one of three children from Brigitte Macron's first marriage, described how the false claims have caused a "worsening of her well-being" and a "deterioration of her quality of life".

She testified, "Hardly a day passes when a person does not talk these claims to her."

Auzière pointed out the effects on her relatives, including the younger generation hearing false assertions like "Brigitte is not truthful" or "She is your grandfather".

"She is unsure what to do about it," Auzière stated. "She's not elected, she has not sought any of this, and she is constantly experiencing these attacks."

Court Case Context

The Paris trial is part of an ongoing effort in a extended court case against the false claim that she is supposedly male.

The couple have pursued a legal action in the United States over false statements against a conservative podcaster who amplified the theory.

The case states that the claim is entirely inaccurate and points out that the person cited is actually her sibling.

Defendants' Responses

During the trial, several defendants denied the charges.

  • One defendant, holding a public position, stated he "never intended to inflict damage" and referred to his social media content as ironic.
  • A fiction writer stated that his posts were presented as "irony" and expressed concern that the trial could undermine "free speech".
  • Another individual said he disseminated posts since he thought it was an international matter with "implications for the country".

Relationship Background

The inaccurate claim concerning Brigitte Macron's identity circulated in part because the Macrons' relationship has long been a point of interest on the internet.

Brigitte Macron, being two decades older than Emmanuel Macron, initially encountered Emmanuel Macron when working as a instructor at his secondary school.

Their bond developed through the school's theatre programme, and they married in the following year, following her divorce.

Auzière wrapped up her account by saying that the inaccurate allegations have caused a "whirlwind that continues endlessly" for Brigitte Macron.

Susan Clark
Susan Clark

Lena is a travel writer and urban photographer with a passion for documenting city life and sharing local insights.