🔗 Share this article

The French first lady's child, her daughter, has told a Paris court that inaccurate assertions circulating on the internet—including the unfounded rumor that the French first lady is transgender—have significantly harmed her mother's personal well-being.

She, a attorney, appeared as a witness in the trial of a group of defendants facing charges for digital bullying targeting the first lady.

Consequences on Daily Life

She explained that Brigitte Macron now worries constantly about her appearance, including her attire to how she stands, due to the apprehension that each snapshot could be distorted to support malicious comments.

"The consequence is that she systematically needs to be careful to her outfits, her body language, regardless of her actions in her daily life," Auzière informed the judges.

Defendants and Accusations

Ten individuals, aged 41 to 60, are facing charges for internet-based bullying. A few had modest digital reach, while others were more visible.

All is alleged to have posting harmful statements about the first lady's identity. For some, this included linking her age difference with Emmanuel Macron to inappropriate terms.

If convicted, they could receive a maximum of two years in prison.

Family Impact

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

She said, "Scarcely a day goes by when a person does not talk the issue to her."

She emphasized the effects on loved ones, including the kids hearing false assertions like "Your grandmother is lying" or "She was born male".

"She does not know what to do about it," she remarked. "She didn't run for election, she has not sought public attention, and she is continually facing this abuse."

Legal Battle Context

The Paris trial is the latest phase in a extended court case targeting the baseless theory that the first lady is supposedly transgender.

The couple have also filed a legal action in the United States for defamation targeting a conservative podcaster who spread the allegation.

The legal filing clarifies that the accusation is completely false and points out that the individual referenced is actually her older brother.

Accused Individuals' Statements

Throughout the proceedings, some of the accused denied the accusations.

• A retired business owner, serving as a local official, stated he "never intended to inflict damage" and referred to his social media content as humorous.
• Another defendant argued that his posts were intended as "satire" and highlighted apprehension that the trial could endanger "freedom of expression".
• Another individual explained he posted posts because he felt it was a global issue with "implications for the country".

Relationship Background

The false theory about Brigitte Macron's identity gained traction to some extent because the Macrons' relationship has long been a point of interest in digital spaces.

The first lady, being significantly older than her husband, first met Emmanuel Macron when serving as a instructor at his school.

Their bond grew through the school's theatre programme, and they wed in that year, after Brigitte Macron's divorce.

She wrapped up her account by stating that the inaccurate allegations have produced a "storm that continues endlessly" for the first lady.