🔗 Share this article

Brigitte Macron's child, her daughter, testified to a tribunal in Paris that inaccurate assertions spread through social media—including the unfounded rumor that the French first lady is transgender—have severely damaged her mother's personal well-being.

She, a legal professional, served as a testifier in the legal proceedings of 10 individuals accused of digital bullying directed at Brigitte Macron.

Consequences on Daily Life

Auzière testified that the first lady now worries constantly about her appearance, including her fashion choices to her posture, as a result of the concern that every photograph could be manipulated to support negative campaigns.

"The consequence is that she systematically needs to be careful to her clothing, her posture, irrespective of her activities in day-to-day existence," Auzière testified.

Those on Trial and Charges

Ten individuals, between 41 and 60 years old, are in court for online harassment. Several had a small social media following, while several more were better known.

Each one is accused of making malicious comments about the first lady's identity. For some, this included equating the age gap with Emmanuel Macron to hurtful comparisons.

Upon being found guilty, they may be sentenced to a maximum of two years in jail.

Family Impact

She, one of three children from Brigitte Macron's previous marriage, described how the inaccurate allegations have led to a "worsening of her health" and a "deterioration of her overall existence".

She explained, "Hardly a day goes by when a person does not talk these claims to her."

Auzière highlighted the repercussions on her relatives, including the younger generation hearing hurtful comments like "Your grandmother is deceptive" or "She was born male".

"She does not know what to do about it," she remarked. "She's not elected, she has not sought public attention, and she is continually facing these assaults."

Court Case Context

The Paris trial is part of an ongoing effort in a wider judicial fight targeting the inaccurate allegation that Brigitte Macron was transgender.

The couple have pursued a US lawsuit for defamation involving a media personality who spread the allegation.

The lawsuit clarifies that the claim is totally unfounded and points out that the individual referenced is in fact her sibling.

Trial Testimonies

In court, some of the accused rejected the charges.

• A retired business owner, now a deputy mayor, stated he "did not mean to cause harm" and described his online statements as humorous.
• Another defendant claimed that his posts were intended as "humor" and expressed concern that the legal action could undermine "freedom of expression".
• An art gallery owner explained he disseminated posts because he felt it was a global issue with "consequences for France".

Past Context

The baseless rumor about the first lady's identity gained traction partly because their union has long been a topic of comment online.

She, who is 24 years older than her husband, initially encountered him when she was a teacher at the institution he attended.

Their relationship developed through drama activities, and they wed in 2007, following her divorce.

She concluded her statement by stating that the false claims have created a "chaos that never stops" for her mother.