Inaccurate Allegations on Social Media Damaged Brigitte Macron's Quality of Life, Daughter Testifies to Court
Brigitte Macron's child, her daughter, testified to a Paris court that false claims online—including the unfounded rumor that she had a male birth identity—have severely damaged her mother's daily existence.
Auzière, a legal professional, appeared as a witness in the court case of ten people allegedly involved in online harassment directed at her mother.
Consequences on Daily Life
Auzière testified that her mother now is always concerned about her appearance, from the clothes she wears to the way she carries herself, as a result of the fear that every photograph could be distorted to fuel malicious comments.
"The consequence is that she always has to pay attention to what she wears, her posture, regardless of her activities in her daily life," Auzière told the court.
Accused Individuals and Allegations
Eight men and two women, aged 41 to 60, are on trial for digital abuse. Several had limited online influence, while others were more visible.
Every defendant is accused of posting harmful statements about Brigitte Macron's identity. Among them, this included linking the age gap with her husband to hurtful comparisons.
If found responsible, they may be sentenced to up to two years in prison.
Effect on Relatives
Auzière, one of three children from her mother's first marriage, stated how the inaccurate allegations have led to a "worsening of her physical state" and a "decline of her quality of life".
She testified, "Hardly a day goes by when someone avoids discussing the issue to her."
She emphasized the effects on loved ones, for example the kids being exposed to hurtful comments like "Brigitte is not truthful" or "Your grandmother was born male".
"She does not know how to end it," Auzière testified. "She didn't run for election, she has not sought public attention, and she is constantly experiencing these assaults."
Judicial Proceedings Background
The legal proceedings is the latest phase in a extended court case addressing the false claim that the first lady is male.
The couple have pursued a US lawsuit alleging slander against a conservative podcaster who amplified the theory.
The case clarifies that the accusation is entirely inaccurate and notes that the name mentioned is in fact Brigitte Macron's sibling.
Trial Testimonies
During the trial, several defendants denied the charges.
- One defendant, serving as a local official, claimed he "never intended to inflict damage" and referred to his posts as humorous.
- A fiction writer claimed that his posts were meant to be "humor" and voiced worry that the legal action could undermine "free speech".
- A third defendant testified he disseminated posts as he believed it was a global issue with "consequences for France".
Personal History
The baseless rumor concerning the first lady's identity spread to some extent because their union has frequently been a point of interest in digital spaces.
The first lady, aged two decades older than her husband, initially encountered the future president when serving as a instructor at the institution he attended.
The connection between them grew through drama activities, and they wed in the following year, following Brigitte Macron's marriage dissolution.
She concluded her account by stating that the baseless rumors have produced a "chaos that continues endlessly" for her mother.