False Assertions on the Internet Damaged Brigitte Macron's Daily Life, Child Testifies to Judges

Brigitte Macron's child, her daughter, informed a tribunal in Paris that false claims spread through social media—among them the unfounded rumor that Brigitte Macron was born a man—have severely damaged her mother's personal well-being.

Auzière, a attorney, was called as a witness in the legal proceedings of a group of defendants allegedly involved in digital bullying against her mother.

Effects on Personal Routine

She explained that her mother now is always concerned about her appearance, including her attire to the way she carries herself, due to the concern that every photograph might be manipulated to support negative campaigns.

"The result is that she systematically needs to be careful to what she wears, her body language, regardless of she's doing in her daily life," Auzière testified.

Those on Trial and Allegations

The defendants, in that age range, are on trial for online harassment. A few had a small social media following, while others were better known.

All is accused of making malicious comments about the first lady's personal life. For some, this included comparing the age gap with Emmanuel Macron to hurtful comparisons.

If convicted, they may be sentenced to up to two years in incarceration.

Consequences for Loved Ones

She, a family member from Brigitte Macron's first marriage, explained how the baseless rumors have led to a "decline of her well-being" and a "worsening of her overall existence".

She said, "Scarcely a day goes by when someone does not talk the issue to her."

Auzière emphasized the effects on the family, for example the younger generation being exposed to hurtful comments like "Brigitte is deceptive" or "She is your grandfather".

"She does not know how to end it," Auzière remarked. "She's not elected, she didn't pursue any of this, and she is constantly facing these assaults."

Legal Battle Background

The legal proceedings represents a recent development in a wider judicial fight targeting the baseless theory that she is male.

The Macrons have pursued a US lawsuit for defamation targeting a political commentator who amplified the theory.

The legal filing asserts that the accusation is entirely inaccurate and identifies that the individual referenced is actually her brother.

Trial Testimonies

Throughout the proceedings, some of the accused denied the charges.

• A retired business owner, now a deputy mayor, asserted he "did not mean to inflict damage" and referred to his social media content as satirical.
• A fiction writer argued that his online activity were presented as "satire" and voiced worry that the trial could threaten "free speech".
• A third defendant testified he shared content because he felt it was a worldwide topic with "consequences for France".

Past Context

The inaccurate claim concerning Brigitte Macron's gender spread in part because their marriage has often been a topic of comment in digital spaces.

Brigitte Macron, being two decades older than the president, first met the future president when serving as a teacher at the institution he attended.

Their bond developed through the school's theatre programme, and they entered into marriage in 2007, after her separation.

Auzière wrapped up her statement by expressing that the baseless rumors have caused a "chaos that does not cease" for Brigitte Macron.