Misleading Claims on Social Media Damaged Brigitte Macron's Well-being, Child Informs Judges

The French first lady's child, her daughter, informed a tribunal in Paris that false claims spread through social media—such as the unfounded rumor that Brigitte Macron was born a man—have significantly harmed her mother's personal well-being.

She, a 41-year-old lawyer, was called as a witness in the court case of 10 individuals accused of digital bullying directed at her mother.

Impact on Personal Routine

Auzière explained that her mother now worries constantly about her demeanor, from her fashion choices to the way she carries herself, due to the apprehension that any image might be misused to support negative campaigns.

"The result is that she systematically needs to be careful to her clothing, her body language, irrespective of she's doing in day-to-day existence," Auzière informed the judges.

Accused Individuals and Charges

The defendants, between 41 and 60 years old, are in court for digital abuse. A few had limited online influence, while several more were more prominent.

Each one is alleged to have posting harmful statements about Brigitte Macron's personal life. For some, this included equating the age gap with Emmanuel Macron to inappropriate terms.

Upon being found guilty, they may be sentenced to a maximum of two years in incarceration.

Family Impact

She, one of three children from Brigitte Macron's first marriage, stated how the inaccurate allegations have caused a "worsening of her physical state" and a "worsening of her quality of life".

She explained, "Scarcely a day goes by when a person avoids discussing the issue to her."

She highlighted the repercussions on her relatives, such as the younger generation learning about hurtful comments like "Your grandmother is lying" or "She is your grandfather".

"She does not know what to do about it," she testified. "She didn't run for election, she didn't pursue any of this, and she is continually subjected to this abuse."

Judicial Proceedings History

This case represents a recent development in a broader legal battle targeting the false claim that Brigitte Macron is supposedly a man.

The couple have also filed a legal action in the United States over false statements targeting a political commentator who amplified the allegation.

The case clarifies that the accusation is entirely inaccurate and points out that the individual referenced is really Brigitte Macron's older brother.

Accused Individuals' Statements

In court, a few individuals rejected the allegations.

• An individual, serving as a local official, asserted he "had no purpose to hurt anyone" and referred to his social media content as satirical.
• A fiction writer argued that his posts were presented as "humor" and highlighted apprehension that the trial could undermine "free speech".
• An art gallery owner explained he shared information because he felt it was an international matter with "impact on the nation".

Relationship Background

The inaccurate claim about Brigitte Macron's gender spread in part because their union has long been a topic of comment on the internet.

She, aged significantly older than Emmanuel Macron, first met the future president when serving as a instructor at the institution he attended.

Their bond grew through theatrical projects, and they married in that year, following her divorce.

Auzière concluded her testimony by stating that the false claims have produced a "chaos that never stops" for Brigitte Macron.