🔗 Share this article

The French first lady's child, her daughter, testified to a tribunal in Paris that misleading allegations spread through social media—among them the unfounded rumor that Brigitte Macron is transgender—have significantly harmed her mother's quality of life.

Auzière, a attorney, appeared as a testifier in the legal proceedings of 10 individuals allegedly involved in internet-based abuse directed at her mother.

Impact on Personal Routine

She testified that Brigitte Macron now feels perpetual anxiety about how she looks, from her attire to the way she carries herself, due to the fear that every photograph might be distorted to support malicious comments.

"The result is that she constantly has to pay attention to her outfits, her posture, no matter what she's doing in her daily life," she informed the judges.

Defendants and Allegations

Eight men and two women, between 41 and 60 years old, are on trial for internet-based bullying. Some had a small social media following, while several more were more prominent.

Every defendant is accused of spreading defamatory content about the first lady's identity. For some, this included comparing the disparity in years with Emmanuel Macron to inappropriate terms.

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

Effect on Relatives

She, one of three children from her mother's first marriage, stated how the false claims have caused a "deterioration of her physical state" and a "decline of her daily happiness".

She said, "Not a day goes by when someone fails to mention the issue to her."

Auzière pointed out the effects on the family, including the kids hearing false assertions like "Your grandmother is deceptive" or "Your grandmother is your grandfather".

"She is unsure how to stop it," Auzière testified. "She holds no office, she never asked for public attention, and she is continually experiencing this abuse."

Judicial Proceedings Context

This case is part of an ongoing effort in a extended court case addressing the baseless theory that Brigitte Macron is male.

The Macrons have initiated a legal action in the United States over false statements targeting a conservative podcaster who promoted the claim.

The legal filing states that the accusation is totally unfounded and points out that the individual referenced is actually Brigitte Macron's older brother.

Defendants' Responses

In court, several defendants disputed the charges.

• An individual, serving as a local official, stated he "never intended to hurt anyone" and referred to his posts as humorous.
• A well-known publicist stated that his posts were meant to be "humor" and highlighted apprehension that the trial could undermine "the right to speak freely".
• An art gallery owner explained he disseminated information since he thought it was a global issue with "consequences for France".

Past Context

The inaccurate claim regarding the first lady's identity circulated in part because their union has often been a subject of discussion in digital spaces.

She, who is two decades older than her husband, first met him when she was a educator at the institution he attended.

The connection between them grew through theatrical projects, and they wed in the following year, following Brigitte Macron's divorce.

Auzière wrapped up her testimony by expressing that the false claims have caused a "whirlwind that does not cease" for Brigitte Macron.