🔗 Share this article

Brigitte Macron's daughter, her daughter, informed a tribunal in Paris that misleading allegations spread through social media—among them the unfounded rumor that the French first lady is transgender—have significantly harmed her mother's personal well-being.

She, a attorney, was called as a testifier in the legal proceedings of ten people facing charges for internet-based abuse directed at her mother.

Effects on Everyday Activities

Auzière stated that her mother now is always concerned about how she looks, such as her attire to the way she carries herself, due to the concern that any image could be misused to advance hateful attacks.

"The consequence is that she systematically has to pay attention to her clothing, her body language, no matter what her actions in day-to-day existence," Auzière told the court.

Accused Individuals and Accusations

The defendants, in that age range, are in court for online harassment. Some had limited online influence, while several more were better known.

Each one is charged with spreading defamatory content about the first lady's personal life. For some, this extended to linking the age gap with the French president to inappropriate terms.

Upon being found guilty, they may be sentenced to a maximum of two years in prison.

Family Impact

She, a daughter from Brigitte Macron's initial union, described how the false claims have resulted in a "decline of her physical state" and a "deterioration of her quality of life".

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

Auzière emphasized the effects on her relatives, including the kids learning about malicious statements like "Your grandmother is not truthful" or "She was born male".

"She has no idea how to end it," Auzière stated. "She holds no office, she has not sought public attention, and she is continually facing these assaults."

Judicial Proceedings Context

This case represents a recent development in a broader legal battle addressing the inaccurate allegation that she is male.

The Macrons have pursued a legal action in the United States over false statements targeting a media personality who amplified the claim.

The lawsuit asserts that the accusation is completely false and identifies that the individual referenced is in fact her older brother.

Trial Testimonies

In court, several defendants denied the accusations.

• A retired business owner, serving as a local official, claimed he "had no purpose to hurt anyone" and described his social media content as ironic.
• A fiction writer argued that his posts were intended as "humor" and voiced worry that the trial could endanger "the right to speak freely".
• Another individual explained he posted posts since he thought it was a global issue with "impact on the nation".

Past Context

The baseless rumor concerning the first lady's gender spread partly because their marriage has long been a point of interest online.

She, aged significantly older than Emmanuel Macron, originally knew Emmanuel Macron when serving as a educator at his school.

Their relationship evolved through the school's theatre programme, and they entered into marriage in 2007, subsequent to her marriage dissolution.

She wrapped up her testimony by stating that the baseless rumors have produced a "chaos that does not cease" for her mother.