False Allegations on Social Media Damaged Brigitte Macron's Well-being, Daughter Testifies to the Tribunal

The French first lady's daughter, her daughter, informed a Paris court that false claims spread through social media—including the unfounded rumor that she had a male birth identity—have significantly harmed her mother's personal well-being.

She, a legal professional, appeared as a testifier in the court case of a group of defendants allegedly involved in online harassment targeting the first lady.

Effects on Personal Routine

She testified that her mother now worries constantly about how she looks, from her attire to how she stands, due to the fear that each snapshot could be manipulated to support malicious comments.

"The outcome is that she constantly must be cautious to her clothing, her posture, no matter what her actions in day-to-day existence," Auzière told the court.

Accused Individuals and Charges

Eight men and two women, between 41 and 60 years old, are facing charges for internet-based bullying. Some had modest digital reach, while several more were more visible.

Each one is alleged to have spreading defamatory content about Brigitte Macron's gender and sexuality. For some, this extended to comparing the age gap with her husband to hurtful comparisons.

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

Family Impact

She, one of three children from Brigitte Macron's previous marriage, explained how the false claims have resulted in a "deterioration of her well-being" and a "deterioration of her quality of life".

She explained, "Not a day goes by when someone fails to mention this to her."

She emphasized the effects on loved ones, such as the kids learning about false assertions like "Your grandmother is not truthful" or "She is actually a man".

"She has no idea how to stop it," Auzière testified. "She didn't run for election, she has not sought public attention, and she is continually subjected to these attacks."

Legal Battle History

The Paris trial represents a recent development in a wider judicial fight targeting the inaccurate allegation that the first lady was transgender.

They have pursued a US lawsuit alleging slander involving a conservative podcaster who amplified the theory.

The legal filing clarifies that the allegation is totally unfounded and points out that the person cited is really her sibling.

Trial Testimonies

In court, several defendants rejected the charges.

  • An individual, holding a public position, asserted he "never intended to inflict damage" and described his online statements as satirical.
  • A fiction writer stated that his posts were intended as "irony" and expressed concern that the legal action could endanger "the right to speak freely".
  • Another individual said he posted posts since he thought it was a worldwide topic with "consequences for France".

Relationship Background

The inaccurate claim regarding the first lady's gender circulated in part because their marriage has long been a subject of discussion online.

Brigitte Macron, aged 24 years older than Emmanuel Macron, originally knew the future president when she was a teacher at the institution he attended.

Their bond evolved through drama activities, and they wed in 2007, following her separation.

Auzière finished her testimony by stating that the baseless rumors have produced a "chaos that does not cease" for the first lady.

Melinda Sawyer
Melinda Sawyer

A tech journalist with a passion for exploring emerging technologies and their impact on everyday life.