False Allegations on Social Media Harmed Brigitte Macron's Daily Life, Daughter Testifies to Judges
Brigitte Macron's child, her daughter, testified to a tribunal in Paris that false claims online—including the unfounded rumor that she was born a man—have significantly harmed her mother's daily existence.
She, a 41-year-old lawyer, was called as a testifier in the legal proceedings of ten people facing charges for digital bullying against Brigitte Macron.
Impact on Personal Routine
She stated that the first lady now worries constantly about her appearance, from her attire to her posture, as a result of the apprehension that every photograph might be distorted to advance malicious comments.
"The outcome is that she always needs to be careful to her outfits, her body language, regardless of her activities in her daily life," she testified.
Those on Trial and Allegations
The defendants, in that age range, are facing charges for internet-based bullying. Several had a small social media following, while several more were more prominent.
Each one is charged with making malicious comments about the first lady's identity. For some, this included equating the age gap with Emmanuel Macron to hurtful comparisons.
If found responsible, they could receive up to two years in prison.
Family Impact
Auzière, a family member from Brigitte Macron's previous marriage, stated how the false claims have led to a "deterioration of her well-being" and a "worsening of her overall existence".
She testified, "Hardly a day goes by when someone avoids discussing the issue to her."
Auzière pointed out the impact on loved ones, such as the younger generation being exposed to hurtful comments like "She is deceptive" or "She was born male".
"She has no idea what to do about it," Auzière testified. "She's not elected, she has not sought public attention, and she is permanently subjected to these assaults."
Legal Battle Background
The legal proceedings is the latest phase in a wider judicial fight targeting the baseless theory that she is supposedly transgender.
The couple have initiated a case in America for defamation against a conservative podcaster who spread the theory.
The lawsuit asserts that the accusation is completely false and points out that the person cited is really her brother.
Trial Testimonies
Throughout the proceedings, several defendants denied the allegations.
- An individual, serving as a local official, claimed he "never intended to hurt anyone" and referred to his posts as ironic.
- A well-known publicist stated that his social media shares were presented as "satire" and expressed concern that the trial could undermine "the right to speak freely".
- A third defendant testified he disseminated content as he believed it was an international matter with "consequences for France".
Personal History
The false theory concerning Brigitte Macron's gender spread partly because the Macrons' relationship has frequently been a subject of discussion online.
Brigitte Macron, being 24 years older than Emmanuel Macron, initially encountered the future president when serving as a educator at his secondary school.
Their relationship developed through theatrical projects, and they married in the following year, after her marriage dissolution.
Auzière concluded her testimony by expressing that the inaccurate allegations have created a "storm that never stops" for Brigitte Macron.