🔗 Share this article

Brigitte Macron's daughter, her daughter, testified to a Paris court that misleading allegations online—such as the baseless theory that the French first lady had a male birth identity—have severely damaged her mother's personal well-being.

Auzière, a 41-year-old lawyer, served as a witness in the legal proceedings of 10 individuals facing charges for internet-based abuse against the first lady.

Impact on Daily Life

She explained that Brigitte Macron now feels perpetual anxiety about how she looks, from the clothes she wears to the way she carries herself, because of the apprehension that each snapshot might be distorted to advance hateful attacks.

"The result is that she constantly must be cautious to her outfits, how she holds herself, irrespective of her actions in her daily life," Auzière told the court.

Accused Individuals and Accusations

Ten individuals, aged 41 to 60, are facing charges for internet-based bullying. A few had modest digital reach, while others were better known.

All is charged with making malicious comments about Brigitte Macron's gender and sexuality. In certain cases, this included equating her age difference with her husband to offensive labels.

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

Consequences for Loved Ones

She, a daughter from her mother's previous marriage, described how the false claims have led to a "decline of her well-being" and a "deterioration of her quality of life".

She said, "Scarcely a day passes when someone fails to mention the issue to her."

She highlighted the repercussions on loved ones, such as her grandchildren learning about hurtful comments like "Brigitte is not truthful" or "She is actually a man".

"She is unsure how to stop it," Auzière stated. "She didn't run for election, she never asked for public attention, and she is continually facing this abuse."

Legal Battle Context

This case is the latest phase in a wider judicial fight against the false claim that she was a man.

The couple have also filed a US lawsuit over false statements against a political commentator who amplified the claim.

The lawsuit clarifies that the claim is completely false and notes that the name mentioned is in fact Brigitte Macron's brother.

Accused Individuals' Statements

In court, a few individuals disputed the accusations.

• One defendant, serving as a local official, claimed he "never intended to hurt anyone" and described his posts as ironic.
• A well-known publicist stated that his posts were presented as "irony" and expressed concern that the legal action could endanger "free speech".
• A third defendant testified he posted content because he felt it was a worldwide topic with "implications for the country".

Relationship Background

The inaccurate claim regarding Brigitte Macron's identity gained traction to some extent because their union has often been a topic of comment online.

The first lady, being 24 years older than her husband, initially encountered the future president when working as a educator at his secondary school.

The connection between them grew through theatrical projects, and they wed in 2007, subsequent to Brigitte Macron's divorce.

She wrapped up her statement by expressing that the false claims have caused a "storm that does not cease" for the first lady.