🔗 Share this article Inaccurate Claims on Social Media Negatively Impacted Brigitte Macron's Well-being, Child Testifies to Judges Brigitte Macron's child, her daughter, testified to a tribunal in Paris that misleading allegations spread through social media—among them the baseless theory that Brigitte Macron had a male birth identity—have significantly harmed her mother's personal well-being. Auzière, a legal professional, served as a testifier in the trial of ten people allegedly involved in digital bullying targeting Brigitte Macron. Consequences on Everyday Activities Auzière stated that Brigitte Macron now is always concerned about how she looks, from her fashion choices to her posture, because of the apprehension that each snapshot may be misused to advance negative campaigns. "The consequence is that she always has to pay attention to what she wears, her posture, irrespective of she's doing in everyday routine," she testified. Defendants and Accusations Ten individuals, aged 41 to 60, are on trial for internet-based bullying. Some had a small social media following, while several more were more prominent. Every defendant is alleged to have spreading defamatory content about the first lady's personal life. For some, this involved linking her age difference with the French president to offensive labels. If convicted, they may be sentenced to as much as 24 months in prison. Effect on Relatives She, a daughter from Brigitte Macron's first marriage, explained how the baseless rumors have led to a "decline of her physical state" and a "worsening of her daily happiness". She explained, "Not a day passes when someone does not talk the issue to her." She highlighted the effects on her relatives, including the younger generation being exposed to false assertions like "She is lying" or "Your grandmother was born male". "She has no idea how to end it," Auzière testified. "She holds no office, she has not sought any of this, and she is continually subjected to these attacks." Legal Battle Background The Paris trial represents a recent development in a extended court case addressing the false claim that Brigitte Macron was male. The couple have also filed a case in America for defamation against a political commentator who spread the claim. The lawsuit clarifies that the claim is totally unfounded and notes that the person cited is really Brigitte Macron's sibling. Defendants' Responses Throughout the proceedings, several defendants disputed the allegations. A retired business owner, now a deputy mayor, claimed he "had no purpose to inflict damage" and referred to his social media content as humorous. A well-known publicist stated that his posts were meant to be "satire" and highlighted apprehension that the legal action could threaten "free speech". Another individual said he shared posts as he believed it was a global issue with "impact on the nation". Personal History The false theory regarding the first lady's identity spread to some extent because the Macrons' relationship has long been a subject of discussion in digital spaces. She, being two decades older than the president, first met Emmanuel Macron when working as a teacher at his secondary school. The connection between them grew through theatrical projects, and they wed in that year, after Brigitte Macron's separation. She wrapped up her account by stating that the false claims have caused a "chaos that does not cease" for her mother.