🔗 Share this article

The French first lady's daughter, her daughter, has told a judicial body in Paris that false claims spread through social media—including the unfounded rumor that the French first lady was born a man—have negatively impacted her mother's quality of life.

She, a attorney, served as a testifier in the legal proceedings of ten people allegedly involved in online harassment directed at the first lady.

Impact on Daily Life

Auzière explained that Brigitte Macron now feels perpetual anxiety about her demeanor, from the clothes she wears to the way she carries herself, as a result of the fear that any image may be misused to advance hateful attacks.

"The outcome is that she systematically must be cautious to what she wears, how she holds herself, irrespective of her actions in everyday routine," Auzière testified.

Defendants and Accusations

Eight men and two women, aged 41 to 60, are on trial for digital abuse. Several had modest digital reach, while others were more visible.

All is alleged to have making malicious comments about the first lady's identity. Among them, this involved equating the age gap with the French president to hurtful comparisons.

Upon being found guilty, they may be sentenced to a maximum of two years in prison.

Family Impact

Auzière, one of three children from Brigitte Macron's initial union, described how the inaccurate allegations have resulted in a "deterioration of her health" and a "decline of her overall existence".

She explained, "Not a day goes by when an individual avoids discussing these claims to her."

Auzière pointed out the effects on her relatives, including the younger generation being exposed to false assertions like "Your grandmother is deceptive" or "Your grandmother is your grandfather".

"She has no idea how to stop it," she remarked. "She's not elected, she didn't pursue any of this, and she is constantly experiencing these assaults."

Court Case History

The legal proceedings is part of an ongoing effort in a wider judicial fight targeting the false claim that Brigitte Macron is transgender.

The couple have also filed a case in America over false statements against a media personality who spread the theory.

The lawsuit states that the accusation is totally unfounded and points out that the individual referenced is really Brigitte Macron's brother.

Defendants' Responses

Throughout the proceedings, some of the accused disputed the accusations.

• An individual, now a deputy mayor, claimed he "had no purpose to hurt anyone" and described his social media content as satirical.
• A well-known publicist argued that his online activity were meant to be "satire" and voiced worry that the legal action could endanger "the right to speak freely".
• An art gallery owner said he shared information because he felt it was a global issue with "implications for the country".

Past Context

The false theory concerning the first lady's identity spread in part because their marriage has frequently been a topic of comment online.

Brigitte Macron, who is 24 years older than her husband, initially encountered Emmanuel Macron when serving as a educator at the institution he attended.

The connection between them grew through the school's theatre programme, and they wed in 2007, after her marriage dissolution.

Auzière wrapped up her account by stating that the baseless rumors have caused a "chaos that continues endlessly" for her mother.