Misleading Allegations on Social Media Negatively Impacted Brigitte Macron's Quality of Life, Child Testifies to Judges

The French first lady's child, her daughter, testified to a tribunal in Paris that misleading allegations online—including the groundless claim that she was born a man—have significantly harmed her mother's quality of life.

She, a attorney, served as a witness in the legal proceedings of ten people facing charges for internet-based abuse against the first lady.

Impact on Everyday Activities

She stated that Brigitte Macron now feels perpetual anxiety about her appearance, including her fashion choices to her posture, as a result of the fear that every photograph may be distorted to support hateful attacks.

"The consequence is that she always has to pay attention to her clothing, her posture, irrespective of her activities in day-to-day existence," Auzière informed the judges.

Those on Trial and Accusations

The defendants, aged 41 to 60, are in court for digital abuse. A few had a small social media following, while others were more prominent.

Every defendant is accused of making malicious comments about Brigitte Macron's identity. In certain cases, this involved comparing the age gap with the French president to inappropriate terms.

Upon being found guilty, they face as much as 24 months in incarceration.

Effect on Relatives

Auzière, a daughter from her mother's previous marriage, described how the false claims have led to a "deterioration of her health" and a "decline of her overall existence".

She said, "Hardly a day passes when an individual avoids discussing the issue to her."

She pointed out the repercussions on her relatives, such as the younger generation hearing false assertions like "Your grandmother is not truthful" or "Your grandmother was born male".

"She has no idea what to do about it," she remarked. "She's not elected, she never asked for anything, and she is continually experiencing this abuse."

Court Case Context

This case is part of an ongoing effort in a extended court case against the false claim that Brigitte Macron is supposedly transgender.

The Macrons have pursued a case in America over false statements against a political commentator who promoted the allegation.

The legal filing clarifies that the accusation is totally unfounded and notes that the name mentioned is in fact her sibling.

Trial Testimonies

In court, a few individuals denied the allegations.

• One defendant, serving as a local official, claimed he "never intended to inflict damage" and referred to his social media content as ironic.
• A well-known publicist claimed that his social media shares were intended as "irony" and highlighted apprehension that the legal action could threaten "the right to speak freely".
• A third defendant explained he posted content because he felt it was an international matter with "consequences for France".

Relationship Background

The inaccurate claim about the first lady's gender circulated partly because their union has long been a point of interest in digital spaces.

Brigitte Macron, who is two decades older than her husband, originally knew him when she was a educator at his school.

Their bond evolved through theatrical projects, and they wed in 2007, subsequent to Brigitte Macron's divorce.

Auzière wrapped up her account by stating that the false claims have caused a "storm that does not cease" for the first lady.