🔗 Share this article

The French first lady's child, her daughter, testified to a judicial body in Paris that inaccurate assertions spread through social media—including the unfounded rumor that she had a male birth identity—have significantly harmed her mother's personal well-being.

Auzière, a attorney, appeared as a testifier in the trial of ten people facing charges for online harassment against the first lady.

Effects on Personal Routine

Auzière explained that her mother now is always concerned about her demeanor, such as her attire to her posture, as a result of the fear that every photograph could be distorted to support negative campaigns.

"The consequence is that she systematically must be cautious to her clothing, how she holds herself, no matter what her actions in her daily life," Auzière testified.

Defendants and Allegations

Ten individuals, aged 41 to 60, are facing charges for digital abuse. A few had modest digital reach, while several more were more prominent.

All is accused of spreading defamatory content about the first lady's personal life. Among them, this involved comparing the age gap with the French president to inappropriate terms.

If found responsible, they may be sentenced to up to two years in incarceration.

Effect on Relatives

Auzière, a family member from Brigitte Macron's first marriage, described how the baseless rumors have caused a "worsening of her health" and a "deterioration of her quality of life".

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

She pointed out the effects on loved ones, including the kids learning about malicious statements like "Your grandmother is not truthful" or "Your grandmother is actually a man".

"She has no idea how to end it," she remarked. "She's not elected, she has not sought public attention, and she is permanently experiencing these attacks."

Court Case History

This case is part of an ongoing effort in a broader legal battle targeting the baseless theory that she was male.

They have initiated a US lawsuit for defamation involving a political commentator who amplified the allegation.

The lawsuit states that the allegation is totally unfounded and points out that the individual referenced is in fact Brigitte Macron's older brother.

Accused Individuals' Statements

In court, some of the accused disputed the allegations.

• An individual, serving as a local official, stated he "did not mean to cause harm" and referred to his online statements as humorous.
• A fiction writer claimed that his social media shares were presented as "satire" and highlighted apprehension that the case could endanger "free speech".
• A third defendant said he disseminated posts because he felt it was an international matter with "implications for the country".

Personal History

The false theory regarding the first lady's identity spread to some extent because their union has frequently been a point of interest online.

Brigitte Macron, who is 24 years older than her husband, first met him when she was a teacher at his school.

Their bond grew through the school's theatre programme, and they wed in 2007, subsequent to Brigitte Macron's marriage dissolution.

Auzière wrapped up her testimony by expressing that the baseless rumors have caused a "whirlwind that continues endlessly" for the first lady.