🔗 Share this article Misleading Allegations Online Damaged Brigitte Macron's Well-being, Child Tells the Tribunal Brigitte Macron's child, her daughter, has told a Paris court that false claims circulating on the internet—such as the unfounded rumor that the French first lady is transgender—have significantly harmed her mother's personal well-being. She, a 41-year-old lawyer, appeared as a witness in the trial of 10 individuals accused of internet-based abuse targeting her mother. Impact on Daily Life Auzière stated that her mother now is always concerned about her demeanor, from the clothes she wears to how she stands, as a result of the concern that every photograph might be misused to advance hateful attacks. "The consequence is that she always must be cautious to her clothing, how she holds herself, regardless of she's doing in her daily life," Auzière told the court. Defendants and Allegations Ten individuals, between 41 and 60 years old, are in court for digital abuse. A few had a small social media following, while the rest were better known. Each one is alleged to have making malicious comments about Brigitte Macron's personal life. In certain cases, this involved equating her age difference with her husband to inappropriate terms. If convicted, they could receive a maximum of two years in prison. Consequences for Loved Ones Auzière, a daughter from Brigitte Macron's first marriage, stated how the false claims have led to a "decline of her physical state" and a "deterioration of her daily happiness". She testified, "Hardly a day passes when someone does not talk these claims to her." Auzière pointed out the effects on her relatives, including the kids learning about hurtful comments like "She is not truthful" or "She is actually a man". "She does not know how to stop it," Auzière remarked. "She didn't run for election, she never asked for public attention, and she is constantly subjected to this abuse." Judicial Proceedings Background The legal proceedings is the latest phase in a broader legal battle targeting the inaccurate allegation that the first lady is supposedly a man. They have also filed a case in America for defamation against a media personality who spread the allegation. The case asserts that the accusation is totally unfounded and identifies that the individual referenced is in fact her older brother. Accused Individuals' Statements In court, a few individuals rejected the charges. A retired business owner, serving as a local official, stated he "did not mean to cause harm" and described his posts as ironic. Another defendant claimed that his posts were presented as "satire" and voiced worry that the case could endanger "the right to speak freely". An art gallery owner said he shared content because he felt it was a worldwide topic with "impact on the nation". Relationship Background The inaccurate claim concerning Brigitte Macron's gender circulated in part because the Macrons' relationship has long been a subject of discussion in digital spaces. She, who is significantly older than Emmanuel Macron, first met Emmanuel Macron when working as a teacher at his school. The connection between them grew through the school's theatre programme, and they married in the following year, after her divorce. She finished her testimony by stating that the inaccurate allegations have produced a "storm that continues endlessly" for her mother.