🔗 Share this article

Brigitte Macron's daughter, her daughter, testified to a tribunal in Paris that false claims online—among them the groundless claim that she is transgender—have severely damaged her mother's personal well-being.

Auzière, a attorney, served as a testifier in the legal proceedings of ten people facing charges for digital bullying targeting Brigitte Macron.

Impact on Everyday Activities

She stated that her mother now feels perpetual anxiety about her demeanor, such as her fashion choices to how she stands, due to the concern that every photograph may be misused to support malicious comments.

"The result is that she constantly must be cautious to her outfits, her body language, regardless of she's doing in day-to-day existence," Auzière testified.

Defendants and Charges

Eight men and two women, between 41 and 60 years old, are on trial for digital abuse. Some had modest digital reach, while others were more prominent.

All is charged with spreading defamatory content about Brigitte Macron's personal life. In certain cases, this extended to equating her age difference with Emmanuel Macron to offensive labels.

If found responsible, they could receive as much as 24 months in jail.

Consequences for Loved Ones

Auzière, a daughter from her mother's first marriage, described how the baseless rumors have resulted in a "worsening of her physical state" and a "worsening of her quality of life".

She testified, "Not a day passes when a person avoids discussing these claims to her."

Auzière pointed out the impact on the family, including the kids learning about false assertions like "She is not truthful" or "Your grandmother is your grandfather".

"She is unsure what to do about it," Auzière stated. "She's not elected, she never asked for anything, and she is continually experiencing these assaults."

Judicial Proceedings Context

The Paris trial is the latest phase in a broader legal battle targeting the inaccurate allegation that she is supposedly transgender.

They have also filed a US lawsuit alleging slander targeting a political commentator who promoted the claim.

The legal filing asserts that the accusation is totally unfounded and identifies that the individual referenced is really her sibling.

Accused Individuals' Statements

During the trial, several defendants rejected the allegations.

• An individual, holding a public position, asserted he "had no purpose to hurt anyone" and described his online statements as ironic.
• A well-known publicist claimed that his social media shares were meant to be "satire" and highlighted apprehension that the trial could endanger "free speech".
• Another individual said he posted information since he thought it was an international matter with "consequences for France".

Relationship Background

The baseless rumor concerning Brigitte Macron's identity spread in part because their union has long been a subject of discussion online.

Brigitte Macron, aged 24 years older than the president, initially encountered the future president when working as a educator at the institution he attended.

The connection between them developed through theatrical projects, and they wed in the following year, following Brigitte Macron's separation.

Auzière wrapped up her account by stating that the false claims have caused a "chaos that never stops" for the first lady.