🔗 Share this article False Allegations Online Negatively Impacted Brigitte Macron's Well-being, Child Tells the Tribunal The French first lady's child, her daughter, has told a judicial body in Paris that inaccurate assertions spread through social media—including the baseless theory that Brigitte Macron is transgender—have severely damaged her mother's quality of life. She, a attorney, was called as a testifier in the legal proceedings of 10 individuals accused of digital bullying targeting the first lady. Consequences on Everyday Activities Auzière testified that the first lady now worries constantly about her demeanor, from her fashion choices to her posture, because of the apprehension that any image could be misused to support hateful attacks. "The consequence is that she always needs to be careful to her clothing, her body language, no matter what she's doing in her daily life," she testified. Those on Trial and Accusations Ten individuals, between 41 and 60 years old, are in court for online harassment. A few had limited online influence, while several more were better known. Each one is accused of posting harmful statements about Brigitte Macron's personal life. For some, this involved equating the disparity in years with her husband to inappropriate terms. If found responsible, they may be sentenced to as much as 24 months in jail. Family Impact Auzière, a daughter from Brigitte Macron's previous marriage, stated how the inaccurate allegations have caused a "worsening of her physical state" and a "decline of her quality of life". She explained, "Scarcely a day goes by when an individual fails to mention the issue to her." She emphasized the impact on the family, including the younger generation being exposed to false assertions like "She is lying" or "Your grandmother was born male". "She is unsure what to do about it," she remarked. "She's not elected, she never asked for anything, and she is permanently experiencing these attacks." Court Case Context The legal proceedings represents a recent development in a extended court case targeting the inaccurate allegation that the first lady is a man. The couple have also filed a US lawsuit alleging slander targeting a political commentator who spread the allegation. The lawsuit asserts that the accusation is totally unfounded and points out that the individual referenced is really Brigitte Macron's sibling. Defendants' Responses Throughout the proceedings, a few individuals disputed the charges. An individual, now a deputy mayor, stated he "had no purpose to inflict damage" and referred to his online statements as satirical. A fiction writer stated that his social media shares were meant to be "humor" and expressed concern that the trial could undermine "the right to speak freely". A third defendant said he shared information because he felt it was a global issue with "impact on the nation". Personal History The false theory concerning Brigitte Macron's gender gained traction partly because their marriage has frequently been a subject of discussion in digital spaces. The first lady, being 24 years older than the president, originally knew him when she was a teacher at his school. The connection between them grew through theatrical projects, and they married in the following year, subsequent to Brigitte Macron's marriage dissolution. Auzière concluded her account by stating that the inaccurate allegations have created a "whirlwind that continues endlessly" for her mother.