Misleading Assertions on the Internet Negatively Impacted Brigitte Macron's Daily Life, Child Informs the Tribunal

The French first lady's child, her daughter, testified to a tribunal in Paris that false claims online—among them the baseless theory that she is transgender—have negatively impacted her mother's personal well-being.

Auzière, a attorney, was called as a testifier in the trial of ten people accused of digital bullying directed at Brigitte Macron.

Consequences on Everyday Activities

She testified that the first lady now worries constantly about her appearance, including her attire to how she stands, due to the fear that every photograph might be manipulated to fuel hateful attacks.

"The outcome is that she constantly needs to be careful to her outfits, her posture, no matter what her activities in everyday routine," Auzière informed the judges.

Accused Individuals and Charges

Eight men and two women, aged 41 to 60, are on trial for digital abuse. Some had modest digital reach, while others were better known.

Every defendant is alleged to have posting harmful statements about the first lady's gender and sexuality. For some, this involved equating the age gap with Emmanuel Macron to inappropriate terms.

If convicted, they may be sentenced to as much as 24 months in incarceration.

Consequences for Loved Ones

Auzière, a family member from her mother's first marriage, stated how the false claims have led to a "worsening of her health" and a "worsening of her quality of life".

She testified, "Not a day passes when a person fails to mention these claims to her."

Auzière pointed out the repercussions on the family, for example the kids being exposed to false assertions like "Brigitte is lying" or "Your grandmother was born male".

"She has no idea what to do about it," she testified. "She holds no office, she didn't pursue anything, and she is continually experiencing these attacks."

Judicial Proceedings Background

The Paris trial is the latest phase in a broader legal battle targeting the false claim that Brigitte Macron is supposedly male.

They have initiated a US lawsuit over false statements targeting a conservative podcaster who spread the allegation.

The lawsuit clarifies that the allegation is entirely inaccurate and points out that the name mentioned is really Brigitte Macron's brother.

Trial Testimonies

Throughout the proceedings, a few individuals rejected the accusations.

• One defendant, holding a public position, claimed he "had no purpose to cause harm" and described his posts as humorous.
• Another defendant claimed that his posts were intended as "irony" and highlighted apprehension that the case could endanger "the right to speak freely".
• An art gallery owner testified he posted content since he thought it was an international matter with "impact on the nation".

Personal History

The inaccurate claim about Brigitte Macron's identity spread in part because their union has frequently been a topic of comment in digital spaces.

She, aged 24 years older than Emmanuel Macron, first met the future president when working as a educator at his school.

The connection between them evolved through theatrical projects, and they wed in the following year, after Brigitte Macron's marriage dissolution.

Auzière finished her account by saying that the false claims have caused a "storm that never stops" for the first lady.