Inaccurate Allegations on the Internet Damaged Brigitte Macron's Quality of Life, Daughter Informs Court

The French first lady's child, her daughter, informed a judicial body in Paris that misleading allegations online—including the baseless theory that she had a male birth identity—have significantly harmed her mother's personal well-being.

Auzière, a 41-year-old lawyer, served as a witness in the trial of 10 individuals accused of online harassment directed at Brigitte Macron.

Effects on Daily Life

Auzière testified that Brigitte Macron now worries constantly about her appearance, from her fashion choices to the way she carries herself, due to the fear that every photograph could be manipulated to support hateful attacks.

"The outcome is that she constantly needs to be careful to her outfits, her posture, regardless of her activities in her daily life," she testified.

Defendants and Accusations

Ten individuals, aged 41 to 60, are on trial for online harassment. Several had a small social media following, while others were better known.

Every defendant is charged with spreading defamatory content about Brigitte Macron's gender and sexuality. In certain cases, this involved comparing the disparity in years with her husband to hurtful comparisons.

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

Family Impact

Auzière, a family member from her mother's previous marriage, explained how the baseless rumors have led to a "deterioration of her well-being" and a "deterioration of her daily happiness".

She explained, "Hardly a day goes by when an individual fails to mention these claims to her."

She pointed out the impact on the family, for example the younger generation learning about false assertions like "Your grandmother is deceptive" or "She is your grandfather".

"She does not know how to stop it," she remarked. "She holds no office, she never asked for anything, and she is constantly experiencing these assaults."

Judicial Proceedings Background

The Paris trial is the latest phase in a extended court case targeting the baseless theory that she is a man.

The couple have initiated a legal action in the United States over false statements involving a conservative podcaster who spread the theory.

The lawsuit asserts that the allegation is totally unfounded and notes that the name mentioned is actually Brigitte Macron's brother.

Accused Individuals' Statements

In court, some of the accused rejected the accusations.

• A retired business owner, serving as a local official, asserted he "had no purpose to hurt anyone" and described his posts as humorous.
• Another defendant stated that his social media shares were meant to be "satire" and voiced worry that the case could undermine "freedom of expression".
• Another individual testified he shared posts as he believed it was an international matter with "consequences for France".

Past Context

The baseless rumor concerning Brigitte Macron's sex circulated in part because their marriage has long been a subject of discussion in digital spaces.

She, aged 24 years older than her husband, initially encountered the future president when serving as a teacher at his school.

Their bond evolved through the school's theatre programme, and they married in 2007, subsequent to her divorce.

Auzière wrapped up her account by saying that the baseless rumors have created a "chaos that does not cease" for her mother.