🔗 Share this article False Allegations on Social Media Damaged Brigitte Macron's Quality of Life, Child Informs the Tribunal Brigitte Macron's daughter, her daughter, testified to a tribunal in Paris that false claims online—among them the unfounded rumor that she is transgender—have negatively impacted her mother's daily existence. Auzière, a legal professional, served as a witness in the trial of a group of defendants allegedly involved in digital bullying against the first lady. Consequences on Personal Routine Auzière testified that the first lady now is always concerned about her demeanor, from her attire to how she stands, because of the concern that any image may be distorted to support malicious comments. "The outcome is that she always has to pay attention to what she wears, how she holds herself, irrespective of her actions in her daily life," Auzière told the court. Those on Trial and Allegations Eight men and two women, aged 41 to 60, are facing charges for digital abuse. Some had modest digital reach, while the rest were more prominent. Each one is alleged to have posting harmful statements about Brigitte Macron's gender and sexuality. Among them, this extended to linking her age difference with Emmanuel Macron to offensive labels. If found responsible, they may be sentenced to as much as 24 months in jail. Family Impact Auzière, a family member from Brigitte Macron's previous marriage, described how the inaccurate allegations have led to a "decline of her physical state" and a "worsening of her overall existence". She said, "Not a day goes by when an individual avoids discussing these claims to her." She pointed out the repercussions on the family, such as the younger generation learning about malicious statements like "Your grandmother is not truthful" or "Your grandmother is your grandfather". "She does not know how to end it," Auzière remarked. "She didn't run for election, she didn't pursue public attention, and she is constantly experiencing these assaults." Court Case Context The Paris trial represents a recent development in a extended court case against the inaccurate allegation that the first lady was transgender. The couple have pursued a legal action in the United States for defamation against a political commentator who spread the theory. The case states that the claim is totally unfounded and identifies that the name mentioned is in fact Brigitte Macron's older brother. Accused Individuals' Statements In court, a few individuals rejected the accusations. One defendant, holding a public position, asserted he "did not mean to inflict damage" and described his online statements as ironic. Another defendant claimed that his posts were intended as "irony" and highlighted apprehension that the trial could undermine "free speech". An art gallery owner testified he shared information as he believed it was an international matter with "consequences for France". Relationship Background The inaccurate claim concerning the first lady's gender gained traction in part because the Macrons' relationship has often been a subject of discussion in digital spaces. She, being 24 years older than Emmanuel Macron, originally knew the future president when working as a instructor at his secondary school. Their bond evolved through the school's theatre programme, and they married in 2007, subsequent to her marriage dissolution. She concluded her testimony by expressing that the inaccurate allegations have created a "storm that continues endlessly" for her mother.