Inaccurate Allegations on Social Media Negatively Impacted Brigitte Macron's Quality of Life, Child Testifies to the Tribunal

Brigitte Macron's child, her daughter, testified to a Paris court that misleading allegations circulating on the internet—among them the unfounded rumor that the French first lady was born a man—have negatively impacted her mother's personal well-being.

She, a 41-year-old lawyer, appeared as a testifier in the court case of 10 individuals allegedly involved in internet-based abuse directed at her mother.

Effects on Daily Life

She testified that the first lady now feels perpetual anxiety about how she looks, such as her fashion choices to how she stands, because of the apprehension that every photograph could be misused to advance negative campaigns.

"The consequence is that she constantly needs to be careful to what she wears, her body language, regardless of she's doing in day-to-day existence," Auzière informed the judges.

Accused Individuals and Charges

The defendants, aged 41 to 60, are facing charges for internet-based bullying. A few had modest digital reach, while others were more prominent.

Each one is alleged to have making malicious comments about Brigitte Macron's identity. In certain cases, this included linking the age gap with her husband to hurtful comparisons.

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

Family Impact

She, a family member from Brigitte Macron's first marriage, stated how the inaccurate allegations have resulted in a "decline of her well-being" and a "deterioration of her daily happiness".

She testified, "Scarcely a day goes by when an individual does not talk this to her."

She highlighted the impact on the family, such as her grandchildren hearing malicious statements like "Brigitte is deceptive" or "She was born male".

"She does not know how to end it," she remarked. "She's not elected, she has not sought anything, and she is continually facing these attacks."

Court Case Background

The legal proceedings represents a recent development in a extended court case targeting the inaccurate allegation that the first lady is male.

They have also filed a US lawsuit for defamation against a media personality who promoted the allegation.

The case clarifies that the accusation is completely false and notes that the name mentioned is actually her older brother.

Defendants' Responses

During the trial, some of the accused denied the allegations.

• An individual, now a deputy mayor, claimed he "never intended to inflict damage" and described his posts as satirical.
• A fiction writer stated that his social media shares were presented as "humor" and voiced worry that the legal action could endanger "freedom of expression".
• An art gallery owner testified he shared posts as he believed it was a worldwide topic with "consequences for France".

Relationship Background

The false theory about Brigitte Macron's sex spread to some extent because the Macrons' relationship has frequently been a topic of comment in digital spaces.

She, aged 24 years older than the president, originally knew him when serving as a teacher at the institution he attended.

Their relationship grew through the school's theatre programme, and they married in 2007, following her divorce.

Auzière concluded her testimony by expressing that the inaccurate allegations have caused a "storm that continues endlessly" for the first lady.