Inaccurate Assertions on Social Media Harmed Brigitte Macron's Daily Life, Daughter Informs Judges

Brigitte Macron's child, her daughter, has told a Paris court that misleading allegations spread through social media—such as the unfounded rumor that Brigitte Macron had a male birth identity—have severely damaged her mother's daily existence.

Auzière, a legal professional, served as a witness in the trial of ten people allegedly involved in online harassment against her mother.

Impact on Personal Routine

Auzière testified that Brigitte Macron now feels perpetual anxiety about how she looks, including the clothes she wears to the way she carries herself, because of the concern that every photograph might be distorted to support hateful attacks.

"The consequence is that she systematically has to pay attention to her clothing, how she holds herself, irrespective of her activities in day-to-day existence," Auzière informed the judges.

Those on Trial and Allegations

Eight men and two women, in that age range, are on trial for digital abuse. Several had a small social media following, while the rest were more visible.

Each one is charged with making malicious comments about Brigitte Macron's identity. Among them, this included linking the age gap with the French president to offensive labels.

If convicted, they could receive as much as 24 months in prison.

Family Impact

Auzière, a daughter from Brigitte Macron's initial union, described how the false claims have resulted in a "worsening of her well-being" and a "deterioration of her quality of life".

She explained, "Not a day goes by when an individual does not talk the issue to her."

She emphasized the effects on loved ones, including the younger generation being exposed to malicious statements like "Brigitte is lying" or "She was born male".

"She has no idea how to end it," she testified. "She didn't run for election, she never asked for public attention, and she is constantly experiencing these attacks."

Legal Battle Background

The Paris trial is part of an ongoing effort in a wider judicial fight targeting the inaccurate allegation that the first lady is male.

The couple have pursued a US lawsuit over false statements involving a political commentator who spread the theory.

The lawsuit states that the accusation is completely false and notes that the name mentioned is actually her brother.

Defendants' Responses

In court, a few individuals rejected the accusations.

  • One defendant, serving as a local official, stated he "had no purpose to inflict damage" and referred to his social media content as humorous.
  • A fiction writer stated that his social media shares were presented as "irony" and highlighted apprehension that the case could undermine "the right to speak freely".
  • Another individual explained he disseminated content because he felt it was an international matter with "impact on the nation".

Personal History

The baseless rumor about Brigitte Macron's identity circulated partly because their union has frequently been a point of interest online.

Brigitte Macron, being two decades older than Emmanuel Macron, first met Emmanuel Macron when working as a educator at his secondary school.

Their relationship evolved through drama activities, and they wed in 2007, after her marriage dissolution.

Auzière finished her statement by saying that the inaccurate allegations have caused a "chaos that does not cease" for Brigitte Macron.

Katherine Long
Katherine Long

A seasoned watch enthusiast with over a decade of experience in horology, specializing in vintage and modern luxury timepieces.