🔗 Share this article

Brigitte Macron's daughter, her daughter, testified to a Paris court that inaccurate assertions online—including the groundless claim that she is transgender—have negatively impacted her mother's daily existence.

Auzière, a legal professional, was called as a testifier in the trial of 10 individuals facing charges for internet-based abuse directed at the first lady.

Effects on Daily Life

She explained that Brigitte Macron now is always concerned about her demeanor, such as her attire to the way she carries herself, due to the fear that each snapshot might be manipulated to support hateful attacks.

"The result is that she always has to pay attention to her clothing, her body language, irrespective of her actions in day-to-day existence," she told the court.

Those on Trial and Charges

Eight men and two women, between 41 and 60 years old, are facing charges for online harassment. Some had modest digital reach, while several more were more prominent.

Each one is alleged to have posting harmful statements about the first lady's gender and sexuality. For some, this included equating her age difference with the French president to inappropriate terms.

Upon being found guilty, they face a maximum of two years in jail.

Effect on Relatives

Auzière, a family member from Brigitte Macron's first marriage, described how the false claims have caused a "decline of her health" and a "decline of her daily happiness".

She testified, "Hardly a day goes by when a person fails to mention this to her."

Auzière pointed out the impact on the family, including the younger generation being exposed to malicious statements like "Brigitte is lying" or "She is actually a man".

"She has no idea what to do about it," Auzière testified. "She holds no office, she didn't pursue any of this, and she is constantly subjected to these assaults."

Court Case History

The Paris trial is part of an ongoing effort in a broader legal battle targeting the false claim that she was a man.

The Macrons have also filed a legal action in the United States alleging slander against a political commentator who promoted the allegation.

The legal filing asserts that the claim is totally unfounded and points out that the name mentioned is in fact her brother.

Trial Testimonies

During the trial, several defendants disputed the allegations.

• One defendant, serving as a local official, asserted he "did not mean to inflict damage" and referred to his online statements as ironic.
• Another defendant argued that his online activity were meant to be "irony" and highlighted apprehension that the trial could endanger "freedom of expression".
• Another individual testified he shared information since he thought it was a global issue with "consequences for France".

Past Context

The false theory about the first lady's identity gained traction to some extent because the Macrons' relationship has often been a subject of discussion in digital spaces.

Brigitte Macron, aged significantly older than her husband, first met Emmanuel Macron when serving as a educator at the institution he attended.

Their relationship developed through drama activities, and they married in that year, after her separation.

She wrapped up her statement by stating that the baseless rumors have caused a "whirlwind that never stops" for Brigitte Macron.