🔗 Share this article

The French first lady's daughter, her daughter, testified to a tribunal in Paris that false claims circulating on the internet—such as the unfounded rumor that the French first lady was born a man—have severely damaged her mother's daily existence.

She, a attorney, was called as a testifier in the trial of a group of defendants facing charges for online harassment targeting the first lady.

Effects on Daily Life

She stated that Brigitte Macron now worries constantly about how she looks, such as the clothes she wears to how she stands, because of the concern that any image may be misused to advance hateful attacks.

"The outcome is that she constantly has to pay attention to what she wears, how she holds herself, irrespective of she's doing in everyday routine," she informed the judges.

Accused Individuals and Accusations

The defendants, in that age range, are on trial for digital abuse. Several had modest digital reach, while the rest were better known.

Each one is charged with posting harmful statements about Brigitte Macron's gender and sexuality. For some, this involved equating her age difference with the French president to offensive labels.

If convicted, they face as much as 24 months in jail.

Family Impact

She, a family member from Brigitte Macron's initial union, stated how the inaccurate allegations have resulted in a "decline of her physical state" and a "decline of her overall existence".

She said, "Hardly a day goes by when someone does not talk the issue to her."

She emphasized the effects on loved ones, for example the younger generation learning about false assertions like "Your grandmother is lying" or "Your grandmother is actually a man".

"She is unsure what to do about it," she remarked. "She didn't run for election, she has not sought any of this, and she is continually experiencing these assaults."

Court Case Background

The Paris trial is part of an ongoing effort in a broader legal battle against the false claim that she is transgender.

The couple have initiated a US lawsuit for defamation involving a media personality who amplified the claim.

The case clarifies that the allegation is entirely inaccurate and identifies that the individual referenced is really her sibling.

Defendants' Responses

Throughout the proceedings, a few individuals rejected the accusations.

• One defendant, now a deputy mayor, asserted he "did not mean to cause harm" and referred to his social media content as satirical.
• Another defendant claimed that his posts were meant to be "satire" and expressed concern that the case could endanger "freedom of expression".
• Another individual explained he shared content as he believed it was a worldwide topic with "implications for the country".

Relationship Background

The baseless rumor about Brigitte Macron's gender circulated partly because their union has long been a subject of discussion on the internet.

The first lady, aged two decades older than her husband, originally knew Emmanuel Macron when she was a educator at his school.

Their bond developed through the school's theatre programme, and they entered into marriage in the following year, subsequent to Brigitte Macron's separation.

She concluded her statement by stating that the baseless rumors have created a "whirlwind that does not cease" for Brigitte Macron.