🔗 Share this article Inaccurate Claims on Social Media Negatively Impacted Brigitte Macron's Daily Life, Child Tells Judges The French first lady's child, her daughter, testified to a Paris court that false claims online—including the groundless claim that she was born a man—have negatively impacted her mother's daily existence. She, a attorney, appeared as a witness in the trial of a group of defendants facing charges for digital bullying targeting the first lady. Impact on Everyday Activities She explained that the first lady now feels perpetual anxiety about how she looks, such as the clothes she wears to the way she carries herself, as a result of the fear that any image could be misused to advance malicious comments. "The result is that she always must be cautious to her clothing, how she holds herself, no matter what her actions in everyday routine," Auzière testified. Defendants and Allegations The defendants, aged 41 to 60, are facing charges for digital abuse. A few had a small social media following, while others were more visible. Every defendant is charged with posting harmful statements about the first lady's identity. In certain cases, this included linking the age gap with Emmanuel Macron to offensive labels. Upon being found guilty, they could receive up to two years in incarceration. Effect on Relatives She, one of three children from her mother's initial union, described how the false claims have led to a "worsening of her physical state" and a "decline of her daily happiness". She said, "Scarcely a day goes by when a person does not talk the issue to her." She pointed out the repercussions on loved ones, for example the kids hearing malicious statements like "Brigitte is not truthful" or "Your grandmother was born male". "She does not know how to end it," Auzière testified. "She's not elected, she never asked for any of this, and she is continually facing these assaults." Judicial Proceedings History The Paris trial represents a recent development in a wider judicial fight addressing the baseless theory that she is transgender. The Macrons have initiated a case in America for defamation against a media personality who promoted the theory. The legal filing clarifies that the allegation is totally unfounded and notes that the name mentioned is in fact her brother. Trial Testimonies During the trial, some of the accused disputed the allegations. A retired business owner, serving as a local official, claimed he "never intended to cause harm" and described his online statements as ironic. Another defendant claimed that his social media shares were intended as "irony" and highlighted apprehension that the case could endanger "freedom of expression". Another individual explained he disseminated posts because he felt it was an international matter with "consequences for France". Relationship Background The baseless rumor about Brigitte Macron's gender gained traction partly because the Macrons' relationship has frequently been a topic of comment online. The first lady, aged two decades older than her husband, originally knew Emmanuel Macron when working as a teacher at his secondary school. The connection between them developed through the school's theatre programme, and they wed in that year, subsequent to Brigitte Macron's marriage dissolution. Auzière wrapped up her testimony by saying that the baseless rumors have created a "chaos that does not cease" for the first lady.