🔗 Share this article Inaccurate Allegations Online Harmed Brigitte Macron's Well-being, Child Tells Court The French first lady's child, her daughter, has told a tribunal in Paris that false claims online—among them the groundless claim that the French first lady is transgender—have significantly harmed her mother's quality of life. She, a 41-year-old lawyer, appeared as a witness in the court case of a group of defendants accused of online harassment directed at the first lady. Effects on Personal Routine Auzière stated that her mother now feels perpetual anxiety about her demeanor, including the clothes she wears to her posture, as a result of the concern that every photograph may be misused to fuel hateful attacks. "The result is that she constantly must be cautious to what she wears, her body language, no matter what she's doing in everyday routine," Auzière told the court. Those on Trial and Allegations Ten individuals, between 41 and 60 years old, are in court for internet-based bullying. A few had a small social media following, while several more were better known. Every defendant is accused of spreading defamatory content about Brigitte Macron's gender and sexuality. Among them, this involved equating the disparity in years with the French president to inappropriate terms. Upon being found guilty, they face a maximum of two years in jail. Consequences for Loved Ones She, a family member from Brigitte Macron's initial union, described how the inaccurate allegations have led to a "deterioration of her physical state" and a "decline of her daily happiness". She explained, "Scarcely a day passes when someone avoids discussing the issue to her." She pointed out the effects on the family, including her grandchildren learning about hurtful comments like "She is lying" or "Your grandmother is your grandfather". "She does not know how to end it," she remarked. "She's not elected, she never asked for any of this, and she is constantly facing these attacks." Judicial Proceedings History The legal proceedings is part of an ongoing effort in a broader legal battle targeting the false claim that the first lady is supposedly a man. The couple have pursued a case in America alleging slander involving a political commentator who amplified the allegation. The legal filing asserts that the accusation is completely false and points out that the person cited is in fact her older brother. Accused Individuals' Statements During the trial, some of the accused disputed the accusations. One defendant, now a deputy mayor, asserted he "did not mean to cause harm" and referred to his posts as humorous. A fiction writer argued that his social media shares were intended as "irony" and voiced worry that the legal action could threaten "freedom of expression". Another individual explained he posted posts because he felt it was a global issue with "consequences for France". Past Context The inaccurate claim about Brigitte Macron's gender spread in part because the Macrons' relationship has frequently been a point of interest on the internet. She, being significantly older than Emmanuel Macron, originally knew him when working as a educator at his secondary school. The connection between them grew through drama activities, and they wed in that year, after her separation. Auzière concluded her account by saying that the false claims have caused a "whirlwind that never stops" for Brigitte Macron.