🔗 Share this article

Brigitte Macron's daughter, her daughter, has told a judicial body in Paris that false claims online—including the baseless theory that the French first lady was born a man—have negatively impacted her mother's quality of life.

Auzière, a legal professional, served as a witness in the legal proceedings of ten people facing charges for digital bullying against Brigitte Macron.

Consequences on Personal Routine

She explained that the first lady now feels perpetual anxiety about her demeanor, from her attire to her posture, because of the fear that every photograph might be distorted to fuel negative campaigns.

"The result is that she constantly has to pay attention to her outfits, her body language, regardless of she's doing in everyday routine," Auzière told the court.

Accused Individuals and Allegations

The defendants, between 41 and 60 years old, are on trial for internet-based bullying. A few had limited online influence, while several more were more prominent.

Each one is charged with spreading defamatory content about Brigitte Macron's gender and sexuality. In certain cases, this involved linking the age gap with her husband to inappropriate terms.

If convicted, they may be sentenced to as much as 24 months in incarceration.

Family Impact

She, a family member from her mother's first marriage, stated how the inaccurate allegations have caused a "worsening of her health" and a "decline of her quality of life".

She testified, "Scarcely a day goes by when a person avoids discussing these claims to her."

She pointed out the impact on her relatives, including the kids learning about malicious statements like "Brigitte is lying" or "Your grandmother was born male".

"She is unsure what to do about it," she testified. "She holds no office, she didn't pursue anything, and she is permanently subjected to these attacks."

Court Case History

The legal proceedings is part of an ongoing effort in a wider judicial fight addressing the baseless theory that she is supposedly transgender.

They have also filed a US lawsuit alleging slander targeting a political commentator who promoted the allegation.

The lawsuit asserts that the allegation is totally unfounded and points out that the individual referenced is in fact her sibling.

Accused Individuals' Statements

Throughout the proceedings, several defendants disputed the accusations.

• One defendant, serving as a local official, claimed he "never intended to cause harm" and described his online statements as humorous.
• A well-known publicist argued that his posts were intended as "humor" and highlighted apprehension that the case could endanger "the right to speak freely".
• An art gallery owner said he disseminated posts since he thought it was a worldwide topic with "consequences for France".

Personal History

The false theory about Brigitte Macron's gender circulated in part because their marriage has long been a point of interest in digital spaces.

Brigitte Macron, being 24 years older than Emmanuel Macron, first met Emmanuel Macron when she was a teacher at his school.

The connection between them developed through theatrical projects, and they entered into marriage in that year, following Brigitte Macron's separation.

Auzière wrapped up her account by stating that the inaccurate allegations have created a "whirlwind that does not cease" for Brigitte Macron.