🔗 Share this article

The French first lady's daughter, her daughter, informed a judicial body in Paris that false claims spread through social media—such as the baseless theory that the French first lady is transgender—have significantly harmed her mother's quality of life.

Auzière, a attorney, appeared as a testifier in the trial of 10 individuals facing charges for online harassment directed at Brigitte Macron.

Consequences on Everyday Activities

Auzière stated that her mother now feels perpetual anxiety about her demeanor, from the clothes she wears to her posture, because of the concern that every photograph may be misused to fuel negative campaigns.

"The outcome is that she constantly must be cautious to her clothing, her body language, no matter what her actions in everyday routine," she informed the judges.

Accused Individuals and Accusations

Eight men and two women, in that age range, are facing charges for internet-based bullying. Some had a small social media following, while the rest were more visible.

Each one is alleged to have posting harmful statements about Brigitte Macron's personal life. Among them, this included comparing the disparity in years with the French president to hurtful comparisons.

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

Effect on Relatives

She, a family member from Brigitte Macron's first marriage, explained how the inaccurate allegations have caused a "decline of her well-being" and a "deterioration of her daily happiness".

She testified, "Hardly a day passes when someone does not talk these claims to her."

She pointed out the impact on her relatives, for example the kids learning about false assertions like "She is not truthful" or "Your grandmother was born male".

"She has no idea how to end it," she testified. "She didn't run for election, she never asked for anything, and she is constantly facing these assaults."

Legal Battle Context

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

The Macrons have initiated a case in America for defamation targeting a political commentator who promoted the allegation.

The lawsuit clarifies that the allegation is completely false and notes that the name mentioned is really Brigitte Macron's brother.

Trial Testimonies

During the trial, a few individuals disputed the charges.

• One defendant, now a deputy mayor, claimed he "never intended to cause harm" and described his social media content as ironic.
• A fiction writer argued that his posts were presented as "humor" and expressed concern that the trial could undermine "freedom of expression".
• A third defendant said he shared posts as he believed it was a worldwide topic with "impact on the nation".

Past Context

The false theory about Brigitte Macron's identity gained traction partly because their union has frequently been a topic of comment on the internet.

She, aged significantly older than the president, originally knew him when working as a instructor at the institution he attended.

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

Auzière wrapped up her testimony by saying that the inaccurate allegations have produced a "storm that does not cease" for the first lady.