Inaccurate Assertions on the Internet Negatively Impacted Brigitte Macron's Quality of Life, Child Testifies to Judges

The French first lady's child, her daughter, has told a tribunal in Paris that false claims spread through social media—among them the unfounded rumor that she is transgender—have significantly harmed her mother's personal well-being.

She, a attorney, served as a witness in the court case of a group of defendants facing charges for internet-based abuse targeting Brigitte Macron.

Consequences on Everyday Activities

Auzière stated that the first lady now feels perpetual anxiety about her demeanor, from her fashion choices to the way she carries herself, due to the apprehension that any image might be distorted to fuel hateful attacks.

"The outcome is that she always needs to be careful to what she wears, her posture, irrespective of her actions in her daily life," Auzière testified.

Accused Individuals and Allegations

The defendants, between 41 and 60 years old, are facing charges for digital abuse. Some had modest digital reach, while several more were better known.

Every defendant is alleged to have spreading defamatory content about the first lady's gender and sexuality. For some, this extended to comparing the age gap with the French president to offensive labels.

Upon being found guilty, they may be sentenced to as much as 24 months in incarceration.

Consequences for Loved Ones

She, one of three children from her mother's first marriage, stated how the false claims have resulted in a "worsening of her health" and a "worsening of her daily happiness".

She testified, "Scarcely a day goes by when a person avoids discussing these claims to her."

She emphasized the effects on the family, for example her grandchildren hearing false assertions like "Your grandmother is not truthful" or "She is your grandfather".

"She is unsure what to do about it," Auzière remarked. "She didn't run for election, she didn't pursue public attention, and she is permanently experiencing these assaults."

Legal Battle Context

The Paris trial is the latest phase in a broader legal battle against the inaccurate allegation that Brigitte Macron was transgender.

The couple have initiated a US lawsuit alleging slander against a conservative podcaster who amplified the allegation.

The lawsuit asserts that the claim is entirely inaccurate and identifies that the name mentioned is in fact her older brother.

Accused Individuals' Statements

During the trial, several defendants rejected the allegations.

• A retired business owner, now a deputy mayor, claimed he "did not mean to inflict damage" and described his social media content as humorous.
• A fiction writer argued that his online activity were presented as "irony" and expressed concern that the case could endanger "freedom of expression".
• A third defendant testified he disseminated content since he thought it was a worldwide topic with "impact on the nation".

Personal History

The inaccurate claim regarding the first lady's sex gained traction to some extent because their union has long been a point of interest online.

The first lady, who is significantly older than the president, initially encountered the future president when she was a teacher at his school.

Their relationship developed through theatrical projects, and they entered into marriage in the following year, after her separation.

She concluded her testimony by stating that the baseless rumors have caused a "whirlwind that does not cease" for Brigitte Macron.