False Allegations Online Harmed Brigitte Macron's Well-being, Daughter Tells Judges

The French first lady's daughter, her daughter, has told a tribunal in Paris that misleading allegations online—including the unfounded rumor that she had a male birth identity—have significantly harmed her mother's daily existence.

Auzière, a 41-year-old lawyer, appeared as a testifier in the trial of 10 individuals accused of online harassment targeting the first lady.

Effects on Daily Life

Auzière explained that the first lady now feels perpetual anxiety about her demeanor, such as her fashion choices to her posture, as a result of the concern that each snapshot may be manipulated to support negative campaigns.

"The consequence is that she always has to pay attention to her outfits, how she holds herself, regardless of she's doing in her daily life," she informed the judges.

Accused Individuals and Accusations

Eight men and two women, in that age range, are on trial for digital abuse. A few had limited online influence, while several more were more prominent.

Each one is charged with posting harmful statements about the first lady's personal life. For some, this included linking her age difference with the French president to hurtful comparisons.

If convicted, they face as much as 24 months in prison.

Family Impact

She, a daughter from Brigitte Macron's first marriage, stated how the inaccurate allegations have caused a "decline of her well-being" and a "decline of her quality of life".

She said, "Hardly a day passes when a person fails to mention this to her."

Auzière pointed out the impact on her relatives, such as the kids hearing false assertions like "Your grandmother is deceptive" or "She is your grandfather".

"She is unsure how to end it," Auzière remarked. "She didn't run for election, she didn't pursue any of this, and she is continually subjected to these attacks."

Court Case Background

The legal proceedings is part of an ongoing effort in a wider judicial fight against the false claim that Brigitte Macron is supposedly a man.

The Macrons have also filed a US lawsuit alleging slander targeting a political commentator who spread the theory.

The lawsuit states that the claim is completely false and identifies that the name mentioned is actually Brigitte Macron's sibling.

Defendants' Responses

Throughout the proceedings, a few individuals rejected the allegations.

  • A retired business owner, holding a public position, stated he "had no purpose to cause harm" and described his posts as ironic.
  • A well-known publicist claimed that his social media shares were intended as "satire" and highlighted apprehension that the trial could undermine "the right to speak freely".
  • Another individual explained he disseminated information since he thought it was a global issue with "implications for the country".

Personal History

The inaccurate claim about the first lady's gender gained traction to some extent because their union has long been a topic of comment on the internet.

Brigitte Macron, being two decades older than the president, initially encountered him when she was a educator at his secondary school.

Their bond developed through drama activities, and they entered into marriage in that year, subsequent to her separation.

Auzière finished her statement by stating that the inaccurate allegations have created a "whirlwind that continues endlessly" for her mother.

Dylan Carter
Dylan Carter

A lighting technology expert with over a decade of experience in smart home automation and sustainable energy solutions.