False Allegations on Social Media Harmed Brigitte Macron's Daily Life, Child Tells the Tribunal
The French first lady's child, her daughter, informed a judicial body in Paris that misleading allegations spread through social media—among them the unfounded rumor that she was born a man—have significantly harmed her mother's personal well-being.
She, a 41-year-old lawyer, served as a testifier in the legal proceedings of ten people allegedly involved in internet-based abuse directed at Brigitte Macron.
Impact on Everyday Activities
She testified that her mother now feels perpetual anxiety about how she looks, from the clothes she wears to how she stands, because of the fear that every photograph could be distorted to advance negative campaigns.
"The result is that she constantly must be cautious to her outfits, her posture, irrespective of her actions in everyday routine," she informed the judges.
Those on Trial and Charges
Eight men and two women, between 41 and 60 years old, are facing charges for digital abuse. Several had modest digital reach, while several more were more prominent.
All is accused of spreading defamatory content about the first lady's identity. In certain cases, this involved comparing her age difference with her husband to offensive labels.
If found responsible, they could receive as much as 24 months in jail.
Family Impact
She, a daughter from Brigitte Macron's previous marriage, explained how the false claims have resulted in a "decline of her health" and a "worsening of her overall existence".
She explained, "Not a day passes when someone does not talk these claims to her."
She pointed out the impact on her relatives, for example the kids learning about false assertions like "Brigitte is not truthful" or "She is actually a man".
"She has no idea how to stop it," Auzière remarked. "She didn't run for election, she didn't pursue anything, and she is constantly experiencing this abuse."
Legal Battle Context
This case is part of an ongoing effort in a wider judicial fight targeting the false claim that she is supposedly transgender.
The couple have also filed a US lawsuit over false statements targeting a conservative podcaster who promoted the theory.
The lawsuit states that the claim is entirely inaccurate and points out that the name mentioned is actually Brigitte Macron's older brother.
Trial Testimonies
Throughout the proceedings, several defendants rejected the charges.
- One defendant, serving as a local official, asserted he "had no purpose to hurt anyone" and referred to his social media content as satirical.
- A fiction writer argued that his posts were presented as "humor" and highlighted apprehension that the trial could threaten "freedom of expression".
- Another individual explained he disseminated content since he thought it was a global issue with "impact on the nation".
Relationship Background
The false theory concerning the first lady's gender circulated partly because their marriage has frequently been a subject of discussion in digital spaces.
She, aged significantly older than Emmanuel Macron, first met him when working as a educator at his secondary school.
Their bond developed through drama activities, and they married in 2007, subsequent to her divorce.
Auzière concluded her account by saying that the baseless rumors have produced a "storm that never stops" for the first lady.