Inaccurate Allegations on Social Media Negatively Impacted Brigitte Macron's Daily Life, Daughter Informs the Tribunal

Brigitte Macron's daughter, her daughter, testified to a judicial body in Paris that inaccurate assertions online—including the unfounded rumor that the French first lady was born a man—have negatively impacted her mother's daily existence.

Auzière, a attorney, was called as a testifier in the legal proceedings of 10 individuals allegedly involved in online harassment against Brigitte Macron.

Effects on Personal Routine

Auzière stated that Brigitte Macron now is always concerned about her appearance, including her attire to her posture, as a result of the fear that every photograph could be misused to support malicious comments.

"The result is that she always has to pay attention to what she wears, her posture, regardless of she's doing in everyday routine," she informed the judges.

Defendants and Allegations

Ten individuals, in that age range, are facing charges for online harassment. Several had a small social media following, while the rest were more visible.

All is accused of posting harmful statements about Brigitte Macron's identity. In certain cases, this extended to equating the disparity in years with Emmanuel Macron to hurtful comparisons.

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

Family Impact

She, a family member from her mother's first marriage, stated how the false claims have caused a "decline of her physical state" and a "deterioration of her daily happiness".

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

She highlighted the effects on loved ones, for example her grandchildren being exposed to hurtful comments like "Brigitte is lying" or "Your grandmother is your grandfather".

"She has no idea what to do about it," she testified. "She's not elected, she didn't pursue any of this, and she is permanently subjected to this abuse."

Legal Battle History

The Paris trial is the latest phase in a wider judicial fight targeting the false claim that Brigitte Macron was a man.

The couple have also filed a case in America for defamation involving a conservative podcaster who promoted the theory.

The case asserts that the accusation is totally unfounded and points out that the person cited is really Brigitte Macron's brother.

Accused Individuals' Statements

Throughout the proceedings, several defendants disputed the accusations.

  • An individual, now a deputy mayor, claimed he "did not mean to inflict damage" and described his posts as ironic.
  • A fiction writer claimed that his posts were intended as "humor" and expressed concern that the legal action could endanger "the right to speak freely".
  • A third defendant testified he disseminated information as he believed it was a global issue with "impact on the nation".

Relationship Background

The baseless rumor about the first lady's gender circulated in part because the Macrons' relationship has long been a subject of discussion online.

Brigitte Macron, who is two decades older than Emmanuel Macron, first met the future president when she was a instructor at his secondary school.

Their bond developed through the school's theatre programme, and they entered into marriage in 2007, following Brigitte Macron's separation.

Auzière wrapped up her account by saying that the false claims have caused a "storm that continues endlessly" for her mother.

Hayley Coleman
Hayley Coleman

A digital strategist with over a decade of experience in social media marketing, specializing in video content creation and audience growth.