🔗 Share this article Misleading Allegations on Social Media Negatively Impacted Brigitte Macron's Well-being, Child Testifies to Court Brigitte Macron's child, her daughter, informed a judicial body in Paris that false claims online—among them the groundless claim that Brigitte Macron is transgender—have severely damaged her mother's daily existence. She, a attorney, served as a witness in the court case of ten people facing charges for online harassment directed at her mother. Effects on Everyday Activities Auzière testified that the first lady now worries constantly about how she looks, such as her fashion choices to how she stands, due to the fear that every photograph could be misused to support hateful attacks. "The result is that she constantly has to pay attention to her clothing, how she holds herself, no matter what her actions in day-to-day existence," Auzière testified. Accused Individuals and Charges The defendants, between 41 and 60 years old, are facing charges for online harassment. Some had modest digital reach, while several more were better known. Every defendant is accused of posting harmful statements about the first lady's gender and sexuality. In certain cases, this involved equating her age difference with the French president to inappropriate terms. If found responsible, they may be sentenced to as much as 24 months in incarceration. Family Impact Auzière, one of three children from her mother's first marriage, described how the inaccurate allegations have led to a "decline of her physical state" and a "deterioration of her overall existence". She explained, "Hardly a day goes by when a person does not talk the issue to her." Auzière emphasized the impact on the family, for example the younger generation being exposed to malicious statements like "Your grandmother is not truthful" or "She is actually a man". "She does not know what to do about it," Auzière remarked. "She didn't run for election, she didn't pursue any of this, and she is permanently facing these attacks." Legal Battle Background The Paris trial is the latest phase in a broader legal battle targeting the false claim that Brigitte Macron is a man. They have pursued a legal action in the United States alleging slander involving a conservative podcaster who promoted the claim. The legal filing states that the accusation is completely false and notes that the person cited is in fact her brother. Trial Testimonies During the trial, some of the accused denied the charges. An individual, serving as a local official, stated he "had no purpose to cause harm" and described his social media content as ironic. A well-known publicist claimed that his online activity were meant to be "humor" and voiced worry that the case could threaten "the right to speak freely". A third defendant testified he shared posts as he believed it was an international matter with "implications for the country". Relationship Background The baseless rumor regarding Brigitte Macron's identity spread partly because the Macrons' relationship has frequently been a topic of comment online. She, aged 24 years older than the president, initially encountered Emmanuel Macron when serving as a instructor at the institution he attended. The connection between them developed through drama activities, and they married in 2007, subsequent to Brigitte Macron's divorce. Auzière wrapped up her account by stating that the false claims have created a "whirlwind that never stops" for Brigitte Macron.