🔗 Share this article

Brigitte Macron's daughter, her daughter, testified to a Paris court that false claims online—such as the baseless theory that the French first lady is transgender—have significantly harmed her mother's personal well-being.

She, a legal professional, appeared as a testifier in the trial of a group of defendants facing charges for internet-based abuse against the first lady.

Consequences on Personal Routine

She explained that Brigitte Macron now is always concerned about how she looks, from the clothes she wears to how she stands, due to the apprehension that any image might be misused to fuel malicious comments.

"The consequence is that she systematically must be cautious to her outfits, her body language, no matter what she's doing in everyday routine," she testified.

Defendants and Accusations

Ten individuals, in that age range, are on trial for digital abuse. Some had modest digital reach, while others were more visible.

Every defendant is accused of making malicious comments about Brigitte Macron's gender and sexuality. Among them, this involved equating the age gap with her husband to hurtful comparisons.

Upon being found guilty, they may be sentenced to as much as 24 months in incarceration.

Consequences for Loved Ones

She, a daughter from her mother's first marriage, explained how the false claims have resulted in a "worsening of her well-being" and a "worsening of her daily happiness".

She explained, "Scarcely a day passes when someone does not talk the issue to her."

She emphasized the repercussions on the family, such as the younger generation being exposed to hurtful comments like "Brigitte is not truthful" or "Your grandmother is your grandfather".

"She does not know what to do about it," she testified. "She's not elected, she didn't pursue public attention, and she is continually subjected to these attacks."

Legal Battle Context

This case is part of an ongoing effort in a extended court case against the baseless theory that Brigitte Macron was male.

The couple have also filed a US lawsuit alleging slander targeting a conservative podcaster who spread the allegation.

The lawsuit asserts that the accusation is totally unfounded and identifies that the person cited is in fact Brigitte Macron's sibling.

Defendants' Responses

During the trial, a few individuals disputed the allegations.

• One defendant, serving as a local official, asserted he "did not mean to hurt anyone" and described his social media content as ironic.
• A well-known publicist claimed that his posts were meant to be "humor" and highlighted apprehension that the trial could endanger "the right to speak freely".
• An art gallery owner testified he posted posts since he thought it was an international matter with "consequences for France".

Personal History

The baseless rumor about Brigitte Macron's gender circulated in part because their marriage has long been a subject of discussion online.

She, who is significantly older than the president, initially encountered Emmanuel Macron when she was a teacher at the institution he attended.

Their relationship developed through the school's theatre programme, and they wed in 2007, following her separation.

She finished her account by stating that the inaccurate allegations have created a "storm that does not cease" for the first lady.