False Allegations on Social Media Harmed Brigitte Macron's Well-being, Daughter Testifies to the Tribunal

The French first lady's daughter, her daughter, informed a judicial body in Paris that false claims spread through social media—among them the baseless theory that the French first lady had a male birth identity—have negatively impacted her mother's daily existence.

Auzière, a 41-year-old lawyer, appeared as a testifier in the court case of ten people allegedly involved in digital bullying directed at the first lady.

Impact on Everyday Activities

Auzière explained that Brigitte Macron now is always concerned about her demeanor, including the clothes she wears to how she stands, because of the apprehension that every photograph could be misused to fuel negative campaigns.

"The outcome is that she constantly needs to be careful to what she wears, how she holds herself, regardless of she's doing in her daily life," she testified.

Defendants and Allegations

The defendants, between 41 and 60 years old, are on trial for online harassment. Several had limited online influence, while the rest were more visible.

All is alleged to have making malicious comments about Brigitte Macron's identity. Among them, this extended to linking the age gap with the French president to offensive labels.

If found responsible, they could receive a maximum of two years in incarceration.

Family Impact

Auzière, a family member from her mother's first marriage, described how the baseless rumors have caused a "worsening of her well-being" and a "worsening of her overall existence".

She explained, "Hardly a day passes when a person avoids discussing the issue to her."

Auzière highlighted the effects on the family, for example her grandchildren being exposed to malicious statements like "She is deceptive" or "Your grandmother is actually a man".

"She has no idea how to end it," she testified. "She didn't run for election, she never asked for any of this, and she is constantly experiencing this abuse."

Judicial Proceedings Context

The Paris trial is part of an ongoing effort in a extended court case addressing the false claim that Brigitte Macron was male.

They have initiated a US lawsuit for defamation against a political commentator who promoted the theory.

The lawsuit states that the allegation is totally unfounded and points out that the name mentioned is actually her sibling.

Accused Individuals' Statements

Throughout the proceedings, some of the accused denied the allegations.

• An individual, now a deputy mayor, asserted he "never intended to hurt anyone" and referred to his online statements as ironic.
• A fiction writer argued that his social media shares were intended as "irony" and voiced worry that the legal action could undermine "freedom of expression".
• Another individual said he shared information as he believed it was a worldwide topic with "consequences for France".

Past Context

The false theory concerning the first lady's sex gained traction partly because the Macrons' relationship has frequently been a point of interest in digital spaces.

She, aged two decades older than Emmanuel Macron, initially encountered the future president when she was a educator at the institution he attended.

The connection between them developed through drama activities, and they wed in 2007, after her marriage dissolution.

Auzière wrapped up her statement by stating that the false claims have produced a "storm that never stops" for Brigitte Macron.