False Assertions on the Internet Harmed Brigitte Macron's Quality of Life, Daughter Testifies to Judges

Brigitte Macron's daughter, her daughter, testified to a Paris court that misleading allegations spread through social media—such as the baseless theory that she had a male birth identity—have severely damaged her mother's personal well-being.

Auzière, a 41-year-old lawyer, appeared as a testifier in the legal proceedings of ten people facing charges for internet-based abuse directed at Brigitte Macron.

Impact on Everyday Activities

She explained that Brigitte Macron now feels perpetual anxiety about her demeanor, such as the clothes she wears to how she stands, as a result of the fear that each snapshot may be misused to support negative campaigns.

"The consequence is that she systematically needs to be careful to what she wears, her posture, regardless of her actions in everyday routine," she told the court.

Defendants and Accusations

Ten individuals, aged 41 to 60, are on trial for online harassment. A few had limited online influence, while the rest were more visible.

All is charged with making malicious comments about the first lady's personal life. Among them, this involved equating the disparity in years with the French president to inappropriate terms.

Upon being found guilty, they face up to two years in incarceration.

Effect on Relatives

Auzière, one of three children from Brigitte Macron's first marriage, stated how the false claims have caused a "deterioration of her health" and a "deterioration of her quality of life".

She said, "Scarcely a day passes when a person fails to mention these claims to her."

She highlighted the repercussions on loved ones, such as the kids hearing malicious statements like "Brigitte is lying" or "Your grandmother is your grandfather".

"She has no idea what to do about it," she testified. "She holds no office, she has not sought public attention, and she is permanently experiencing these assaults."

Court Case Context

The legal proceedings is the latest phase in a wider judicial fight targeting the inaccurate allegation that the first lady is supposedly transgender.

The Macrons have also filed a US lawsuit over false statements involving a conservative podcaster who promoted the theory.

The case clarifies that the claim is totally unfounded and points out that the person cited is in fact her brother.

Trial Testimonies

In court, a few individuals denied the allegations.

• A retired business owner, serving as a local official, stated he "did not mean to inflict damage" and described his social media content as humorous.
• A well-known publicist claimed that his posts were meant to be "irony" and highlighted apprehension that the trial could threaten "freedom of expression".
• A third defendant explained he shared posts since he thought it was an international matter with "consequences for France".

Personal History

The false theory about Brigitte Macron's sex circulated in part because their union has long been a point of interest in digital spaces.

The first lady, aged two decades older than her husband, first met him when serving as a teacher at the institution he attended.

The connection between them developed through drama activities, and they wed in the following year, after Brigitte Macron's divorce.

Auzière wrapped up her testimony by stating that the false claims have caused a "whirlwind that never stops" for Brigitte Macron.