False Assertions on Social Media Damaged Brigitte Macron's Quality of Life, Daughter Informs the Tribunal

Brigitte Macron's child, her daughter, informed a Paris court that false claims spread through social media—including the baseless theory that the French first lady had a male birth identity—have severely damaged her mother's quality of life.

Auzière, a 41-year-old lawyer, was called as a witness in the trial of a group of defendants allegedly involved in online harassment directed at her mother.

Consequences on Personal Routine

She explained that her mother now is always concerned about her appearance, such as her fashion choices to how she stands, because of the fear that any image may be manipulated 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 everyday routine," she told the court.

Those on Trial and Charges

The defendants, aged 41 to 60, are in court for internet-based bullying. Several had limited online influence, while others were more visible.

Each one is charged with making malicious comments about the first lady's gender and sexuality. For some, this involved comparing her age difference with Emmanuel Macron to offensive labels.

If convicted, they could receive a maximum of two years in prison.

Family Impact

She, one of three children from her mother's first marriage, stated how the baseless rumors have caused a "deterioration of her health" and a "worsening of her overall existence".

She testified, "Hardly a day goes by when an individual fails to mention the issue to her."

She highlighted the effects on her relatives, including the kids hearing malicious statements like "Your grandmother is not truthful" or "Your grandmother was born male".

"She does not know how to stop it," she remarked. "She holds no office, she never asked for anything, and she is constantly facing these assaults."

Court Case Background

The Paris trial represents a recent development in a extended court case targeting the baseless theory that Brigitte Macron was a man.

They have also filed a legal action in the United States for defamation targeting a media personality who spread the theory.

The case states that the allegation is completely false and points out that the name mentioned is really Brigitte Macron's older brother.

Defendants' Responses

In court, a few individuals disputed the charges.

  • A retired business owner, now a deputy mayor, claimed he "never intended to inflict damage" and referred to his online statements as satirical.
  • Another defendant claimed that his social media shares were presented as "humor" and expressed concern that the case could undermine "the right to speak freely".
  • A third defendant testified he shared posts as he believed it was an international matter with "consequences for France".

Relationship Background

The baseless rumor regarding the first lady's gender spread in part because their marriage has long been a point of interest on the internet.

She, aged 24 years older than the president, initially encountered Emmanuel Macron when serving as a teacher at his secondary school.

Their relationship developed through drama activities, and they married in 2007, subsequent to her separation.

She finished her account by stating that the baseless rumors have caused a "chaos that continues endlessly" for Brigitte Macron.

Travis Miller
Travis Miller

A technology journalist specializing in gaming and digital entertainment, with over a decade of industry experience.