Inaccurate Assertions on the Internet Damaged Brigitte Macron's Well-being, Child Testifies to the Tribunal

Brigitte Macron's daughter, her daughter, informed a tribunal in Paris that misleading allegations circulating on the internet—including the groundless claim that she was born a man—have severely damaged her mother's quality of life.

Auzière, a attorney, served as a testifier in the court case of 10 individuals facing charges for internet-based abuse against the first lady.

Consequences on Everyday Activities

Auzière testified that her mother now is always concerned about her demeanor, such as her attire to her posture, as a result of the concern that every photograph might be manipulated to support hateful attacks.

"The outcome is that she systematically has to pay attention to her clothing, her body language, no matter what her actions in her daily life," she testified.

Accused Individuals and Charges

Eight men and two women, aged 41 to 60, are facing charges for digital abuse. Several had a small social media following, while others were better known.

Every defendant is charged with spreading defamatory content about the first lady's gender and sexuality. In certain cases, this involved comparing the disparity in years with the French president to inappropriate terms.

Upon being found guilty, they face a maximum of two years in jail.

Family Impact

Auzière, a family member from Brigitte Macron's initial union, explained how the inaccurate allegations have caused a "worsening of her physical state" and a "worsening of her overall existence".

She said, "Scarcely a day goes by when someone fails to mention these claims to her."

Auzière pointed out the effects on the family, such as the younger generation being exposed to malicious statements like "Brigitte is lying" or "Your grandmother is actually a man".

"She has no idea how to end it," she stated. "She's not elected, she didn't pursue public attention, and she is continually subjected to these assaults."

Judicial Proceedings Context

This case is the latest phase in a extended court case against the false claim that she is supposedly male.

The couple have initiated a legal action in the United States over false statements against a media personality who spread the theory.

The legal filing clarifies that the claim is totally unfounded and notes that the name mentioned is actually her older brother.

Trial Testimonies

During the trial, a few individuals disputed the charges.

  • An individual, holding a public position, asserted he "had no purpose to inflict damage" and described his posts as ironic.
  • Another defendant argued that his online activity were presented as "humor" and expressed concern that the trial could endanger "freedom of expression".
  • A third defendant explained he posted information as he believed it was an international matter with "impact on the nation".

Personal History

The inaccurate claim about Brigitte Macron's sex spread in part because the Macrons' relationship has frequently been a point of interest on the internet.

The first lady, aged 24 years older than Emmanuel Macron, originally knew the future president when working as a instructor at the institution he attended.

Their bond grew through theatrical projects, and they wed in that year, following Brigitte Macron's divorce.

She concluded her statement by expressing that the inaccurate allegations have created a "whirlwind that does not cease" for the first lady.

Cheryl Finley
Cheryl Finley

Cybersecurity expert with over a decade in data protection, specializing in secure cloud architectures and privacy compliance.