🔗 Share this article Misleading Allegations Online Harmed Brigitte Macron's Daily Life, Daughter Informs the Tribunal The French first lady's daughter, her daughter, has told a Paris court that misleading allegations spread through social media—including the groundless claim that the French first lady was born a man—have negatively impacted her mother's daily existence. She, a 41-year-old lawyer, was called as a witness in the trial of 10 individuals accused of internet-based abuse against her mother. Impact on Personal Routine She stated that her mother now feels perpetual anxiety about how she looks, from her fashion choices to her posture, because of the fear that any image might be distorted to fuel negative campaigns. "The consequence is that she systematically must be cautious to what she wears, her body language, irrespective of she's doing in her daily life," Auzière informed the judges. Accused Individuals and Accusations Eight men and two women, in that age range, are on trial for online harassment. A few had a small social media following, while others were better known. All is alleged to have making malicious comments about the first lady's gender and sexuality. Among them, this extended to linking her age difference with her husband to offensive labels. Upon being found guilty, they may be sentenced to as much as 24 months in incarceration. Effect on Relatives Auzière, a family member from Brigitte Macron's first marriage, explained how the inaccurate allegations have led to a "decline of her health" and a "decline of her overall existence". She testified, "Scarcely a day passes when a person avoids discussing this to her." She emphasized the impact on the family, including her grandchildren learning about hurtful comments like "Brigitte is lying" or "She is actually a man". "She is unsure what to do about it," Auzière remarked. "She's not elected, she never asked for any of this, and she is constantly experiencing these assaults." Legal Battle Background The legal proceedings represents a recent development in a wider judicial fight against the baseless theory that Brigitte Macron was transgender. The Macrons have also filed a case in America alleging slander involving a conservative podcaster who amplified the allegation. The lawsuit asserts that the accusation is completely false and identifies that the person cited is really her brother. Accused Individuals' Statements In court, some of the accused denied the allegations. An individual, holding a public position, stated he "did not mean to cause harm" and referred to his posts as ironic. Another defendant argued that his posts were intended as "satire" and voiced worry that the trial could threaten "the right to speak freely". An art gallery owner said he posted posts as he believed it was an international matter with "implications for the country". Past Context The false theory about Brigitte Macron's identity circulated in part because their union has often been a point of interest online. She, who is two decades older than Emmanuel Macron, originally knew Emmanuel Macron when serving as a educator at his school. Their bond developed through drama activities, and they wed in the following year, after Brigitte Macron's marriage dissolution. She concluded her statement by saying that the inaccurate allegations have created a "storm that continues endlessly" for her mother.