🔗 Share this article

Brigitte Macron's daughter, her daughter, testified to a judicial body in Paris that inaccurate assertions online—such as the groundless claim that the French first lady had a male birth identity—have negatively impacted her mother's quality of life.

Auzière, a 41-year-old lawyer, was called as a testifier in the court case of 10 individuals accused of internet-based abuse directed at her mother.

Effects on Daily Life

Auzière explained that her mother now is always concerned about her appearance, including her attire to the way she carries herself, as a result of the fear that every photograph might be manipulated to support negative campaigns.

"The outcome is that she constantly has to pay attention to her clothing, her posture, no matter what her actions in day-to-day existence," Auzière testified.

Accused Individuals and Accusations

Ten individuals, in that age range, are on trial for digital abuse. A few had modest digital reach, while several more were better known.

Each one is accused of spreading defamatory content about Brigitte Macron's gender and sexuality. For some, this included equating the age gap with Emmanuel Macron to hurtful comparisons.

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

Effect on Relatives

Auzière, one of three children from Brigitte Macron's initial union, stated how the inaccurate allegations have led to a "deterioration of her physical state" and a "worsening of her daily happiness".

She explained, "Scarcely a day passes when someone avoids discussing this to her."

Auzière pointed out the impact on her relatives, including the kids learning about hurtful comments like "She is deceptive" or "She is actually a man".

"She is unsure what to do about it," she stated. "She's not elected, she has not sought anything, and she is permanently experiencing these attacks."

Court Case Background

The legal proceedings represents a recent development in a broader legal battle against the false claim that the first lady is male.

The Macrons have also filed a case in America alleging slander involving a political commentator who spread the theory.

The case states that the allegation is totally unfounded and identifies that the person cited is in fact her older brother.

Accused Individuals' Statements

Throughout the proceedings, several defendants disputed the allegations.

• One defendant, serving as a local official, claimed he "did not mean to hurt anyone" and referred to his online statements as ironic.
• Another defendant stated that his online activity were meant to be "humor" and voiced worry that the case could endanger "the right to speak freely".
• A third defendant said he posted information since he thought it was a worldwide topic with "implications for the country".

Personal History

The false theory about the first lady's identity spread in part because their union has often been a subject of discussion online.

She, being significantly older than the president, first met Emmanuel Macron when she was a educator at the institution he attended.

Their relationship developed through the school's theatre programme, and they married in the following year, after her divorce.

Auzière wrapped up her account by expressing that the inaccurate allegations have created a "storm that does not cease" for her mother.