Misleading Allegations on the Internet Negatively Impacted Brigitte Macron's Daily Life, Daughter Informs Judges

Brigitte Macron's child, her daughter, has told a Paris court that false claims circulating on the internet—among them the unfounded rumor that Brigitte Macron was born a man—have negatively impacted her mother's daily existence.

She, a legal professional, was called as a witness in the legal proceedings of a group of defendants allegedly involved in digital bullying targeting her mother.

Effects on Personal Routine

She stated that Brigitte Macron now feels perpetual anxiety about how she looks, including the clothes she wears to the way she carries herself, as a result of the fear that every photograph could be misused 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," Auzière testified.

Those on Trial and Accusations

Eight men and two women, aged 41 to 60, are in court for internet-based bullying. A few had modest digital reach, while several more were more visible.

Every defendant is alleged to have making malicious comments about the first lady's gender and sexuality. In certain cases, this included linking her age difference with her husband to hurtful comparisons.

If found responsible, they may be sentenced to a maximum of two years in jail.

Family Impact

Auzière, a family member from her mother's previous marriage, explained how the inaccurate allegations have led to a "decline of her physical state" and a "decline of her quality of life".

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

Auzière emphasized the impact on loved ones, including the younger generation learning about false assertions like "Your grandmother is lying" or "She was born male".

"She is unsure how to stop it," Auzière remarked. "She didn't run for election, she didn't pursue any of this, and she is permanently facing this abuse."

Court Case Context

This case represents a recent development in a broader legal battle targeting the baseless theory that she is supposedly a man.

The couple have initiated a legal action in the United States alleging slander against a conservative podcaster who promoted the allegation.

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

Accused Individuals' Statements

During the trial, several defendants rejected the allegations.

• An individual, now a deputy mayor, asserted he "had no purpose to cause harm" and described his online statements as satirical.
• Another defendant argued that his posts were intended as "irony" and voiced worry that the case could endanger "free speech".
• An art gallery owner said he posted content because he felt it was a worldwide topic with "consequences for France".

Past Context

The baseless rumor regarding the first lady's gender circulated partly because the Macrons' relationship has often been a point of interest in digital spaces.

Brigitte Macron, aged 24 years older than her husband, originally knew Emmanuel Macron when serving as a teacher at the institution he attended.

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

Auzière concluded her account by stating that the false claims have produced a "storm that never stops" for her mother.