False Allegations Online Negatively Impacted Brigitte Macron's Daily Life, Daughter Informs Court

Brigitte Macron's daughter, her daughter, informed a Paris court that inaccurate assertions circulating on the internet—among them the groundless claim that the French first lady had a male birth identity—have significantly harmed her mother's quality of life.

Auzière, a 41-year-old lawyer, served as a witness in the legal proceedings of 10 individuals accused of online harassment against Brigitte Macron.

Consequences on Daily Life

She stated that Brigitte Macron now is always concerned about how she looks, including the clothes she wears to how she stands, due to the concern that every photograph may be distorted to support negative campaigns.

"The result is that she constantly must be cautious to what she wears, her posture, irrespective of her actions in day-to-day existence," she testified.

Those on Trial and Accusations

Ten individuals, between 41 and 60 years old, are facing charges 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 identity. Among them, this extended to comparing the age gap with the French president to hurtful comparisons.

Upon being found guilty, they could receive a maximum of two years in jail.

Family Impact

She, one of three children from her mother's first marriage, described how the inaccurate allegations have caused a "worsening of her well-being" and a "decline of her overall existence".

She testified, "Scarcely a day passes when an individual avoids discussing these claims to her."

Auzière pointed out the effects on loved ones, for example the younger generation being exposed to false assertions like "Your grandmother is lying" or "She is your grandfather".

"She is unsure what to do about it," Auzière stated. "She's not elected, she never asked for anything, and she is constantly experiencing this abuse."

Judicial Proceedings History

The legal proceedings is part of an ongoing effort in a extended court case against the baseless theory that she was a man.

They have also filed a case in America alleging slander targeting a conservative podcaster who promoted the allegation.

The case asserts that the accusation is completely false and notes that the name mentioned is really Brigitte Macron's brother.

Accused Individuals' Statements

During the trial, a few individuals rejected the charges.

• A retired business owner, serving as a local official, claimed he "never intended to inflict damage" and described his posts as ironic.
• A well-known publicist claimed that his posts were meant to be "irony" and expressed concern that the trial could endanger "the right to speak freely".
• A third defendant explained he disseminated information since he thought it was a worldwide topic with "implications for the country".

Past Context

The baseless rumor regarding the first lady's sex gained traction partly because the Macrons' relationship has long been a point of interest on the internet.

The first lady, being two decades older than her husband, initially encountered Emmanuel Macron when working as a instructor at his secondary school.

Their bond evolved through theatrical projects, and they entered into marriage in 2007, following her marriage dissolution.

Auzière finished her account by saying that the baseless rumors have caused a "storm that does not cease" for the first lady.