🔗 Share this article

The French first lady's child, her daughter, informed 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 quality of life.

She, a attorney, served as a witness in the trial of ten people facing charges for digital bullying against the first lady.

Consequences on Daily Life

Auzière testified that her mother now is always concerned about her demeanor, from her fashion choices to how she stands, as a result of the concern that any image could be manipulated to support negative campaigns.

"The result is that she constantly needs to be careful to what she wears, how she holds herself, no matter what she's doing in her daily life," she told the court.

Defendants and Charges

Eight men and two women, in that age range, are in court for internet-based bullying. Some had limited online influence, while the rest were more visible.

Each one is alleged to have making malicious comments about the first lady's gender and sexuality. For some, this extended to comparing her age difference with Emmanuel Macron to inappropriate terms.

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

Consequences for Loved Ones

Auzière, one of three children from Brigitte Macron's previous marriage, described how the inaccurate allegations have resulted in a "decline of her well-being" and a "worsening of her overall existence".

She testified, "Hardly a day passes when a person avoids discussing these claims to her."

Auzière pointed out the repercussions on loved ones, such as the kids hearing malicious statements like "Brigitte is lying" or "Your grandmother is actually a man".

"She is unsure how to stop it," she testified. "She didn't run for election, she never asked for any of this, and she is continually experiencing this abuse."

Judicial Proceedings History

The legal proceedings is part of an ongoing effort in a broader legal battle against the false claim that she is supposedly male.

The couple have also filed a case in America over false statements involving a political commentator who amplified the claim.

The case asserts that the accusation is completely false and points out that the person cited is really her brother.

Trial Testimonies

During the trial, a few individuals disputed the accusations.

• A retired business owner, serving as a local official, asserted he "never intended to hurt anyone" and referred to his social media content as ironic.
• A well-known publicist argued that his posts were presented as "humor" and expressed concern that the legal action could undermine "freedom of expression".
• Another individual testified he disseminated posts as he believed it was a worldwide topic with "implications for the country".

Personal History

The false theory concerning the first lady's gender circulated to some extent because their union has frequently been a point of interest on the internet.

Brigitte Macron, aged 24 years older than the president, initially encountered Emmanuel Macron when she was a educator at his school.

The connection between them evolved through theatrical projects, and they entered into marriage in the following year, following her marriage dissolution.

Auzière finished her account by stating that the false claims have created a "storm that never stops" for the first lady.