🔗 Share this article

The French first lady's daughter, her daughter, informed a Paris court that false claims spread through social media—including the groundless claim that the French first lady is transgender—have negatively impacted her mother's personal well-being.

Auzière, a 41-year-old lawyer, was called as a testifier in the trial of ten people allegedly involved in internet-based abuse against the first lady.

Consequences on Everyday Activities

She testified that her mother now worries constantly about her demeanor, such as the clothes she wears to the way she carries herself, due to the fear that every photograph may be manipulated to fuel negative campaigns.

"The consequence is that she always has to pay attention to her clothing, how she holds herself, no matter what her activities in day-to-day existence," Auzière told the court.

Those on Trial and Allegations

Ten individuals, in that age range, are on trial for online harassment. A few had limited online influence, while several more were better known.

All is accused of spreading defamatory content about Brigitte Macron's personal life. In certain cases, this involved comparing her age difference with the French president to inappropriate terms.

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

Consequences for Loved Ones

Auzière, one of three children from her mother's previous marriage, stated how the inaccurate allegations have caused a "worsening of her physical state" and a "decline of her overall existence".

She said, "Scarcely a day passes when an individual avoids discussing this to her."

Auzière emphasized the impact on the family, such as the kids learning about false assertions like "Brigitte is not truthful" or "Your grandmother is your grandfather".

"She has no idea how to stop it," Auzière testified. "She holds no office, she didn't pursue anything, and she is constantly subjected to these attacks."

Legal Battle History

The legal proceedings represents a recent development in a extended court case against the baseless theory that the first lady was male.

The couple have initiated a US lawsuit alleging slander against a conservative podcaster who amplified the claim.

The case clarifies that the allegation is totally unfounded and identifies that the person cited is really Brigitte Macron's sibling.

Accused Individuals' Statements

Throughout the proceedings, a few individuals rejected the accusations.

• A retired business owner, holding a public position, claimed he "had no purpose to hurt anyone" and referred to his online statements as satirical.
• Another defendant stated that his posts were presented as "satire" and expressed concern that the case could endanger "freedom of expression".
• A third defendant explained he shared content as he believed it was a worldwide topic with "consequences for France".

Relationship Background

The inaccurate claim concerning Brigitte Macron's sex gained traction to some extent because their marriage has often been a point of interest in digital spaces.

Brigitte Macron, being 24 years older than Emmanuel Macron, first met the future president when she was a educator at the institution he attended.

Their relationship developed through the school's theatre programme, and they entered into marriage in 2007, after Brigitte Macron's divorce.

She concluded her statement by saying that the baseless rumors have produced a "whirlwind that never stops" for her mother.