🔗 Share this article

The French first lady's daughter, her daughter, has told a Paris court that false claims online—such as the baseless theory that she had a male birth identity—have negatively impacted her mother's personal well-being.

She, a attorney, appeared as a witness in the legal proceedings of ten people allegedly involved in internet-based abuse against Brigitte Macron.

Impact on Personal Routine

Auzière explained that Brigitte Macron now is always concerned about her demeanor, such as her attire to her posture, as a result of the apprehension that any image might be distorted to advance malicious comments.

"The outcome is that she systematically needs to be careful to her clothing, her body language, irrespective of her activities in day-to-day existence," Auzière informed the judges.

Defendants and Accusations

The defendants, in that age range, are in court for online harassment. A few had modest digital reach, while the rest were more visible.

Each one is charged with spreading defamatory content about the first lady's gender and sexuality. For some, this included equating the age gap with the French president to hurtful comparisons.

If convicted, they could receive up to two years in jail.

Family Impact

She, a family member from her mother's previous marriage, stated how the inaccurate allegations have resulted in a "decline of her well-being" and a "decline of her quality of life".

She testified, "Hardly a day passes when someone does not talk the issue to her."

Auzière highlighted the repercussions on the family, for example the younger generation hearing false assertions like "She is not truthful" or "She was born male".

"She has no idea how to stop it," she testified. "She holds no office, she never asked for any of this, and she is permanently subjected to these assaults."

Judicial Proceedings Context

The legal proceedings is the latest phase in a wider judicial fight targeting the baseless theory that the first lady is a man.

The couple have initiated a US lawsuit over false statements targeting a conservative podcaster who amplified the claim.

The case clarifies that the allegation is totally unfounded and notes that the name mentioned is in fact Brigitte Macron's brother.

Accused Individuals' Statements

In court, several defendants disputed the accusations.

• One defendant, now a deputy mayor, stated he "had no purpose to cause harm" and described his social media content as ironic.
• A well-known publicist stated that his social media shares were presented as "satire" and voiced worry that the legal action could threaten "the right to speak freely".
• A third defendant explained he disseminated content because he felt it was a global issue with "implications for the country".

Past Context

The inaccurate claim regarding Brigitte Macron's identity gained traction in part because their union has often been a subject of discussion in digital spaces.

The first lady, who is 24 years older than her husband, initially encountered the future president when she was a teacher at his secondary school.

Their bond developed through the school's theatre programme, and they entered into marriage in 2007, after her marriage dissolution.

Auzière finished her account by expressing that the false claims have produced a "chaos that does not cease" for her mother.