Inaccurate Claims on Social Media Damaged Brigitte Macron's Quality of Life, Daughter Testifies to Judges

The French first lady's daughter, her daughter, testified to a judicial body in Paris that inaccurate assertions circulating on the internet—including the groundless claim that she had a male birth identity—have severely damaged her mother's quality of life.

She, a attorney, was called as a witness in the trial of a group of defendants allegedly involved in digital bullying against her mother.

Impact on Everyday Activities

She testified that the first lady now feels perpetual anxiety about how she looks, from her attire to her posture, as a result of the concern that each snapshot could be distorted to support hateful attacks.

"The result is that she systematically has to pay attention to what she wears, her posture, irrespective of she's doing in day-to-day existence," Auzière testified.

Those on Trial and Charges

Eight men and two women, 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 posting harmful statements about the first lady's personal life. In certain cases, this extended to equating her age difference with the French president to offensive labels.

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

Effect on Relatives

She, one of three children from Brigitte Macron's previous marriage, explained how the false claims have led to a "worsening of her well-being" and a "decline of her quality of life".

She explained, "Not a day goes by when a person avoids discussing the issue to her."

She pointed out the repercussions on loved ones, including the kids hearing malicious statements like "Brigitte is deceptive" or "She is actually a man".

"She has no idea what to do about it," she remarked. "She didn't run for election, she has not sought public attention, and she is permanently experiencing these assaults."

Judicial Proceedings History

The legal proceedings is part of an ongoing effort in a extended court case targeting the baseless theory that Brigitte Macron is male.

They have pursued a case in America for defamation involving a conservative podcaster who promoted the theory.

The lawsuit clarifies that the accusation is totally unfounded and notes that the name mentioned is in fact her older brother.

Accused Individuals' Statements

During the trial, some of the accused disputed the accusations.

  • An individual, holding a public position, asserted he "did not mean to inflict damage" and described his online statements as satirical.
  • A well-known publicist argued that his social media shares were meant to be "irony" and voiced worry that the legal action could threaten "free speech".
  • An art gallery owner explained he posted posts as he believed it was an international matter with "consequences for France".

Relationship Background

The baseless rumor regarding Brigitte Macron's gender spread to some extent because their union has often been a subject of discussion online.

She, aged significantly older than her husband, originally knew him when working as a educator at the institution he attended.

Their bond developed through the school's theatre programme, and they married in the following year, subsequent to her marriage dissolution.

Auzière concluded her account by expressing that the false claims have produced a "storm that never stops" for Brigitte Macron.

Lisa Davis
Lisa Davis

Wildlife biologist and conservationist with over a decade of experience studying sloths in Central America.