🔗 Share this article

Brigitte Macron's child, her daughter, has told a judicial body in Paris that false claims online—including the baseless theory that the French first lady had a male birth identity—have significantly harmed her mother's daily existence.

She, a legal professional, was called as a testifier in the legal proceedings of 10 individuals allegedly involved in digital bullying targeting the first lady.

Consequences on Daily Life

She testified that the first lady now is always concerned about how she looks, such as the clothes she wears to how she stands, because of the concern that every photograph could be manipulated to advance negative campaigns.

"The consequence is that she always needs to be careful to what she wears, how she holds herself, no matter what she's doing in everyday routine," Auzière told the court.

Defendants and Accusations

Ten individuals, in that age range, are facing charges for internet-based bullying. Several had modest digital reach, while others were better known.

Each one is alleged to have making malicious comments about Brigitte Macron's identity. Among them, this involved linking her age difference with her husband to hurtful comparisons.

If convicted, they face as much as 24 months in prison.

Effect on Relatives

She, one of three children from her mother's previous marriage, explained how the baseless rumors have resulted in a "worsening of her health" and a "worsening of her daily happiness".

She explained, "Not a day passes when a person does not talk these claims to her."

Auzière emphasized the effects on the family, such as the kids being exposed to false assertions like "Brigitte is deceptive" or "Your grandmother is your grandfather".

"She is unsure how to stop it," Auzière remarked. "She holds no office, she didn't pursue any of this, and she is constantly experiencing these assaults."

Legal Battle Context

The legal proceedings is part of an ongoing effort in a extended court case addressing the baseless theory that she is supposedly transgender.

They have initiated a US lawsuit for defamation involving a conservative podcaster who promoted the claim.

The lawsuit states that the accusation is entirely inaccurate and points out that the individual referenced is in fact Brigitte Macron's older brother.

Trial Testimonies

Throughout the proceedings, a few individuals rejected the allegations.

• A retired business owner, holding a public position, claimed he "did not mean to cause harm" and referred to his social media content as humorous.
• Another defendant stated that his online activity were meant to be "irony" and voiced worry that the trial could threaten "freedom of expression".
• A third defendant said he posted posts since he thought it was an international matter with "implications for the country".

Personal History

The inaccurate claim concerning Brigitte Macron's gender circulated partly because their marriage has often been a topic of comment in digital spaces.

She, who is two decades older than her husband, first met the future president when she was a educator at the institution he attended.

Their relationship grew through the school's theatre programme, and they wed in the following year, subsequent to her divorce.

She concluded her testimony by stating that the false claims have created a "storm that does not cease" for her mother.