🔗 Share this article

The French first lady's child, her daughter, has told a Paris court that false claims circulating on the internet—including the unfounded rumor that Brigitte Macron had a male birth identity—have severely damaged her mother's quality of life.

Auzière, a legal professional, was called as a testifier in the legal proceedings of a group of defendants accused of online harassment directed at her mother.

Effects on Everyday Activities

Auzière explained that the first lady now worries constantly about her appearance, including her fashion choices to how she stands, due to the concern that every photograph could be distorted to support malicious comments.

"The consequence is that she always must be cautious to what she wears, her body language, regardless of her actions in her daily life," Auzière testified.

Defendants and Accusations

Eight men and two women, between 41 and 60 years old, are in court for internet-based bullying. Some had limited online influence, while several more were more prominent.

Each one is alleged to have posting harmful statements about Brigitte Macron's identity. Among them, this involved equating the age gap with the French president to hurtful comparisons.

If convicted, they face as much as 24 months in prison.

Consequences for Loved Ones

She, a daughter from her mother's previous marriage, stated how the inaccurate allegations have resulted in a "deterioration of her health" and a "decline of her overall existence".

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

Auzière emphasized the effects on her relatives, for example her grandchildren being exposed to hurtful comments like "She is not truthful" or "Your grandmother was born male".

"She is unsure what to do about it," Auzière remarked. "She's not elected, she didn't pursue anything, and she is continually subjected to this abuse."

Legal Battle Context

This case represents a recent development in a broader legal battle addressing the baseless theory that she is a man.

The Macrons have also filed a US lawsuit over false statements involving a conservative podcaster who spread the theory.

The lawsuit clarifies that the allegation is completely false and notes that the name mentioned is in fact Brigitte Macron's brother.

Trial Testimonies

In court, a few individuals disputed the allegations.

• One defendant, holding a public position, claimed he "had no purpose to inflict damage" and referred to his social media content as satirical.
• Another defendant argued that his posts were intended as "humor" and voiced worry that the legal action could threaten "free speech".
• Another individual said he shared information since he thought it was an international matter with "implications for the country".

Personal History

The baseless rumor about Brigitte Macron's gender circulated partly because their union has often been a topic of comment on the internet.

The first lady, aged 24 years older than her husband, initially encountered the future president when she was a teacher at the institution he attended.

Their relationship evolved through theatrical projects, and they married in the following year, subsequent to her divorce.

Auzière finished her testimony by expressing that the inaccurate allegations have produced a "chaos that never stops" for Brigitte Macron.