Inaccurate Allegations on the Internet Damaged Brigitte Macron's Daily Life, Daughter Testifies to Judges

Brigitte Macron's daughter, her daughter, testified to a judicial body in Paris that misleading allegations online—such as the baseless theory that she was born a man—have negatively impacted her mother's quality of life.

Auzière, a 41-year-old lawyer, appeared as a testifier in the legal proceedings of 10 individuals allegedly involved in online harassment directed at Brigitte Macron.

Effects on Everyday Activities

Auzière testified that Brigitte Macron now worries constantly about how she looks, such as her attire to her posture, due to the apprehension that every photograph might be manipulated to advance malicious comments.

"The consequence is that she constantly must be cautious to her outfits, her body language, regardless of she's doing in her daily life," Auzière told the court.

Defendants and Charges

The defendants, aged 41 to 60, are facing charges for online harassment. Several had limited online influence, while the rest were more visible.

Each one is alleged to have spreading defamatory content about the first lady's gender and sexuality. Among them, this included equating the age gap with her husband to hurtful comparisons.

If convicted, they may be sentenced to a maximum of two years in incarceration.

Consequences for Loved Ones

Auzière, a daughter from her mother's previous marriage, described how the false claims have caused a "decline of her well-being" and a "worsening of her overall existence".

She explained, "Scarcely a day goes by when someone avoids discussing these claims to her."

Auzière pointed out the impact on the family, for example the kids hearing false assertions like "Your grandmother is not truthful" or "Your grandmother was born male".

"She is unsure how to end it," she testified. "She's not elected, she never asked for public attention, and she is continually facing these assaults."

Legal Battle Background

This case is the latest phase in a broader legal battle against the baseless theory that Brigitte Macron was a man.

The couple have also filed a US lawsuit over false statements involving a conservative podcaster who spread the claim.

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

Accused Individuals' Statements

In court, several defendants rejected the accusations.

• An individual, now a deputy mayor, stated he "did not mean to hurt anyone" and described his online statements as ironic.
• A well-known publicist argued that his social media shares were meant to be "humor" and voiced worry that the case could undermine "freedom of expression".
• An art gallery owner said he posted posts as he believed it was an international matter with "implications for the country".

Past Context

The baseless rumor regarding the first lady's sex circulated partly because their union has long been a topic of comment on the internet.

Brigitte Macron, who is 24 years older than the president, initially encountered Emmanuel Macron when working as a instructor at the institution he attended.

Their relationship developed through the school's theatre programme, and they wed in 2007, subsequent to Brigitte Macron's marriage dissolution.

She concluded her testimony by expressing that the false claims have caused a "storm that continues endlessly" for Brigitte Macron.