🔗 Share this article Misleading Claims Online Harmed Brigitte Macron's Daily Life, Daughter Informs the Tribunal The French first lady's child, her daughter, testified to a judicial body in Paris that inaccurate assertions spread through social media—such as the baseless theory that she had a male birth identity—have significantly harmed her mother's quality of life. She, a legal professional, served as a testifier in the court case of ten people facing charges for digital bullying targeting her mother. Consequences on Everyday Activities She testified that Brigitte Macron now feels perpetual anxiety about how she looks, including her attire to the way she carries herself, due to the apprehension that every photograph might be distorted to fuel hateful attacks. "The outcome is that she systematically must be cautious to her outfits, her posture, regardless of she's doing in everyday routine," Auzière informed the judges. Defendants and Accusations Eight men and two women, between 41 and 60 years old, are facing charges for digital abuse. A few had a small social media following, while others were better known. Every defendant is charged with posting harmful statements about Brigitte Macron's identity. In certain cases, this extended to comparing the age gap with her husband to inappropriate terms. Upon being found guilty, they could receive up to two years in incarceration. Family Impact She, one of three children from her mother's previous marriage, stated how the false claims have resulted in a "deterioration of her well-being" and a "decline of her quality of life". She testified, "Hardly a day goes by when a person does not talk the issue to her." Auzière highlighted the effects on her relatives, including the kids hearing malicious statements like "Brigitte is lying" or "Your grandmother is your grandfather". "She has no idea what to do about it," she stated. "She didn't run for election, she never asked for anything, and she is continually subjected to these assaults." Court Case Background The Paris trial represents a recent development in a extended court case against the false claim that she is supposedly a man. They have pursued a US lawsuit over false statements against a political commentator who amplified the theory. The lawsuit clarifies that the claim is entirely inaccurate and notes that the individual referenced is actually her older brother. Defendants' Responses During the trial, a few individuals denied the accusations. One defendant, holding a public position, stated he "had no purpose to hurt anyone" and referred to his posts as satirical. A well-known publicist claimed that his online activity were intended as "irony" and voiced worry that the trial could threaten "the right to speak freely". An art gallery owner explained he disseminated content since he thought it was an international matter with "implications for the country". Past Context The baseless rumor about Brigitte Macron's sex circulated in part because their marriage has long been a point of interest online. The first lady, being 24 years older than the president, first met Emmanuel Macron when working as a educator at the institution he attended. The connection between them developed through theatrical projects, and they entered into marriage in 2007, subsequent to Brigitte Macron's divorce. She finished her testimony by saying that the false claims have created a "chaos that continues endlessly" for Brigitte Macron.