Misleading Assertions on the Internet Harmed Brigitte Macron's Quality of Life, Child Tells the Tribunal

Brigitte Macron's child, her daughter, informed a judicial body in Paris that misleading allegations online—such as the unfounded rumor that Brigitte Macron is transgender—have severely damaged her mother's personal well-being.

She, a 41-year-old lawyer, served as a testifier in the trial of a group of defendants facing charges for internet-based abuse targeting Brigitte Macron.

Consequences on Personal Routine

She explained that the first lady now is always concerned about how she looks, including the clothes she wears to how she stands, because of the fear that each snapshot might be manipulated to support hateful attacks.

"The consequence is that she systematically needs to be careful to her outfits, how she holds herself, irrespective of her actions in her daily life," she told the court.

Those on Trial and Allegations

Eight men and two women, between 41 and 60 years old, are in court for online harassment. A few had modest digital reach, while others were better known.

Each one is alleged to have posting harmful statements about the first lady's gender and sexuality. In certain cases, this included comparing the disparity in years with the French president to offensive labels.

If found responsible, they face up to two years in jail.

Family Impact

Auzière, one of three children from her mother's first marriage, explained how the baseless rumors have caused a "worsening of her well-being" and a "decline of her daily happiness".

She explained, "Hardly a day goes by when an individual does not talk the issue to her."

Auzière highlighted the impact on her relatives, including her grandchildren being exposed to false assertions like "Brigitte is deceptive" or "Your grandmother was born male".

"She has no idea how to end it," Auzière remarked. "She's not elected, she never asked for anything, and she is continually experiencing these attacks."

Judicial Proceedings Background

The legal proceedings is part of an ongoing effort in a broader legal battle addressing the false claim that Brigitte Macron is supposedly transgender.

The Macrons have also filed a legal action in the United States for defamation targeting a media personality who amplified the theory.

The case states that the claim is totally unfounded and notes that the person cited is in fact her sibling.

Trial Testimonies

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

  • A retired business owner, now a deputy mayor, stated he "did not mean to inflict damage" and referred to his posts as humorous.
  • A fiction writer claimed that his posts were presented as "humor" and highlighted apprehension that the legal action could endanger "the right to speak freely".
  • A third defendant said he disseminated posts as he believed it was an international matter with "implications for the country".

Personal History

The inaccurate claim regarding the first lady's sex circulated in part because the Macrons' relationship has often been a subject of discussion online.

The first lady, aged 24 years older than the president, initially encountered Emmanuel Macron when serving as a educator at the institution he attended.

Their bond developed through drama activities, and they wed in the following year, after her separation.

She finished her account by expressing that the false claims have created a "chaos that does not cease" for the first lady.

Karen Caldwell
Karen Caldwell

Renewable energy consultant and green tech writer with over a decade of experience in sustainable development projects across Europe.