False Claims on Social Media Damaged Brigitte Macron's Well-being, Daughter Tells Judges

Brigitte Macron's daughter, her daughter, has told a tribunal in Paris that false claims spread through social media—including the groundless claim that she is transgender—have negatively impacted her mother's quality of life.

She, a 41-year-old lawyer, served as a witness in the court case of 10 individuals allegedly involved in digital bullying targeting Brigitte Macron.

Effects on Personal Routine

She stated that Brigitte Macron now feels perpetual anxiety about how she looks, from her fashion choices to the way she carries herself, due to the fear that each snapshot could be distorted to fuel malicious comments.

"The outcome is that she systematically must be cautious to what she wears, her body language, no matter what she's doing in everyday routine," Auzière informed the judges.

Accused Individuals and Accusations

Ten individuals, aged 41 to 60, are on trial for online harassment. A few had modest digital reach, while the rest were more visible.

Each one is charged with making malicious comments about Brigitte Macron's gender and sexuality. For some, this involved linking her age difference with Emmanuel Macron to offensive labels.

Upon being found guilty, they face a maximum of two years in prison.

Effect on Relatives

She, one of three children from her mother's previous marriage, explained how the baseless rumors have led to a "worsening of her health" and a "decline of her overall existence".

She testified, "Hardly a day goes by when an individual does not talk these claims to her."

She emphasized the repercussions on the family, such as the younger generation learning about hurtful comments like "She is lying" or "She is actually a man".

"She has no idea how to end it," she remarked. "She holds no office, she didn't pursue anything, and she is continually facing this abuse."

Judicial Proceedings History

The legal proceedings is the latest phase in a broader legal battle targeting the baseless theory that Brigitte Macron is supposedly transgender.

The couple have pursued a case in America over false statements involving a media personality who promoted the theory.

The legal filing asserts that the allegation is entirely inaccurate and points out that the name mentioned is in fact Brigitte Macron's brother.

Trial Testimonies

In court, several defendants denied the accusations.

  • A retired business owner, holding a public position, claimed he "did not mean to hurt anyone" and referred to his social media content as humorous.
  • A well-known publicist claimed that his social media shares were presented as "irony" and expressed concern that the case could threaten "the right to speak freely".
  • Another individual explained he shared posts because he felt it was a worldwide topic with "implications for the country".

Relationship Background

The baseless rumor regarding the first lady's gender circulated to some extent because the Macrons' relationship has often been a point of interest online.

Brigitte Macron, being two decades older than her husband, originally knew the future president when she was a educator at his secondary school.

Their bond developed through drama activities, and they entered into marriage in 2007, after her marriage dissolution.

She wrapped up her statement by expressing that the inaccurate allegations have produced a "whirlwind that never stops" for her mother.

Anna Welch
Anna Welch

Mikael Voss is a passionate gaming journalist with over a decade of experience covering esports and indie game development.