Misleading Allegations on Social Media Damaged Brigitte Macron's Quality of Life, Daughter Informs the Tribunal
Brigitte Macron's daughter, her daughter, has told a judicial body in Paris that inaccurate assertions online—including the baseless theory that Brigitte Macron had a male birth identity—have severely damaged her mother's quality of life.
Auzière, a 41-year-old lawyer, served as a witness in the legal proceedings of a group of defendants accused of internet-based abuse targeting the first lady.
Effects on Personal Routine
She testified that Brigitte Macron now worries constantly about how she looks, from the clothes she wears to the way she carries herself, as a result of the fear that any image could be distorted to advance hateful attacks.
"The result is that she always has to pay attention to her clothing, her posture, irrespective of her activities in her daily life," she testified.
Accused Individuals and Allegations
The defendants, aged 41 to 60, are on trial for digital abuse. Some had limited online influence, while several more were better known.
Each one is accused of making malicious comments about the first lady's identity. In certain cases, this extended to equating her age difference with her husband to inappropriate terms.
If convicted, they may be sentenced to as much as 24 months in incarceration.
Effect on Relatives
Auzière, one of three children from Brigitte Macron's previous marriage, described how the baseless rumors have caused a "deterioration of her health" and a "deterioration of her daily happiness".
She testified, "Not a day goes by when a person avoids discussing this to her."
She pointed out the effects on her relatives, such as her grandchildren learning about malicious statements like "Your grandmother is lying" or "She is your grandfather".
"She has no idea how to end it," Auzière testified. "She didn't run for election, she never asked for public attention, and she is permanently facing this abuse."
Judicial Proceedings Context
This case is part of an ongoing effort in a wider judicial fight targeting the false claim that she is transgender.
The couple have initiated a US lawsuit over false statements targeting a media personality who promoted the theory.
The lawsuit asserts that the allegation is entirely inaccurate and points out that the name mentioned is really Brigitte Macron's older brother.
Accused Individuals' Statements
In court, several defendants denied the charges.
- A retired business owner, holding a public position, stated he "did not mean to hurt anyone" and described his posts as ironic.
- A fiction writer stated that his posts were intended as "humor" and highlighted apprehension that the case could undermine "free speech".
- A third defendant testified he posted information as he believed it was a global issue with "impact on the nation".
Personal History
The baseless rumor regarding Brigitte Macron's gender circulated partly because their marriage has often been a topic of comment in digital spaces.
The first lady, aged significantly older than Emmanuel Macron, originally knew Emmanuel Macron when serving as a instructor at his school.
Their bond grew through drama activities, and they entered into marriage in that year, subsequent to Brigitte Macron's marriage dissolution.
Auzière concluded her testimony by saying that the false claims have produced a "whirlwind that continues endlessly" for the first lady.