Inaccurate Claims Online Damaged Brigitte Macron's Quality of Life, Daughter Testifies to Court

Brigitte Macron's daughter, her daughter, informed a Paris court that false claims online—among them the groundless claim that Brigitte Macron was born a man—have negatively impacted her mother's quality of life.

She, a attorney, appeared as a testifier in the trial of a group of defendants facing charges for internet-based abuse directed at Brigitte Macron.

Effects on Everyday Activities

She stated that her mother now is always concerned about her appearance, such as her fashion choices to the way she carries herself, because of the concern that any image may be misused to advance malicious comments.

"The result is that she systematically has to pay attention to her outfits, her body language, irrespective of her actions in everyday routine," Auzière testified.

Those on Trial and Allegations

Eight men and two women, between 41 and 60 years old, are in court for online harassment. Several had modest digital reach, while several more were more prominent.

Every defendant is alleged to have making malicious comments about Brigitte Macron's gender and sexuality. In certain cases, this extended to linking her age difference with Emmanuel Macron to hurtful comparisons.

Upon being found guilty, they could receive up to two years in prison.

Consequences for Loved Ones

She, a daughter from her mother's first marriage, described how the inaccurate allegations have led to a "worsening of her well-being" and a "deterioration of her quality of life".

She explained, "Hardly a day goes by when an individual avoids discussing the issue to her."

She emphasized the impact on loved ones, for example her grandchildren learning about false assertions like "Brigitte is not truthful" or "She is your grandfather".

"She is unsure what to do about it," Auzière stated. "She's not elected, she never asked for anything, and she is permanently facing this abuse."

Court Case Context

This case is the latest phase in a broader legal battle against the false claim that she is male.

The Macrons have initiated a case in America over false statements involving a media personality who spread the theory.

The case asserts that the accusation is completely false and notes that the person cited is actually her sibling.

Trial Testimonies

Throughout the proceedings, some of the accused disputed the charges.

• A retired business owner, now a deputy mayor, asserted he "had no purpose to hurt anyone" and described his online statements as satirical.
• Another defendant stated that his online activity were intended as "satire" and voiced worry that the case could threaten "the right to speak freely".
• A third defendant testified he disseminated posts because he felt it was a worldwide topic with "consequences for France".

Past Context

The inaccurate claim regarding Brigitte Macron's gender gained traction partly because their union has long been a point of interest on the internet.

She, being 24 years older than her husband, initially encountered him when working as a educator at his school.

Their bond grew through drama activities, and they wed in 2007, subsequent to her separation.

She finished her statement by saying that the inaccurate allegations have produced a "storm that never stops" for her mother.