🔗 Share this article

The French first lady's daughter, her daughter, has told a tribunal in Paris that inaccurate assertions circulating on the internet—including the baseless theory that Brigitte Macron had a male birth identity—have negatively impacted her mother's daily existence.

She, a attorney, served as a witness in the trial of a group of defendants facing charges for digital bullying directed at Brigitte Macron.

Consequences on Everyday Activities

She stated that the first lady now is always concerned about her appearance, including her attire to her posture, due to the concern that every photograph could be distorted to fuel malicious comments.

"The result is that she constantly has to pay attention to what she wears, how she holds herself, no matter what she's doing in day-to-day existence," she informed the judges.

Those on Trial and Charges

Eight men and two women, between 41 and 60 years old, are on trial for internet-based bullying. Some had limited online influence, while others were more prominent.

Every defendant is charged with making malicious comments about Brigitte Macron's gender and sexuality. Among them, this extended to linking the age gap with her husband to inappropriate terms.

Upon being found guilty, they face a maximum of two years in jail.

Family Impact

She, a family member from Brigitte Macron's first marriage, explained how the false claims have led to a "deterioration of her physical state" and a "decline of her daily happiness".

She explained, "Not a day goes by when a person fails to mention these claims to her."

She highlighted the impact on loved ones, including the kids being exposed to malicious statements like "Brigitte is lying" or "She was born male".

"She is unsure how to stop it," she stated. "She didn't run for election, she has not sought public attention, and she is continually facing these assaults."

Court Case History

The Paris trial represents a recent development in a wider judicial fight targeting the false claim that Brigitte Macron is supposedly transgender.

The couple have also filed a legal action in the United States for defamation targeting a media personality who spread the claim.

The case asserts that the allegation is totally unfounded and notes that the name mentioned is actually Brigitte Macron's older brother.

Accused Individuals' Statements

During the trial, several defendants denied the accusations.

• A retired business owner, holding a public position, asserted he "never intended to inflict damage" and referred to his social media content as humorous.
• Another defendant argued that his social media shares were meant to be "irony" and highlighted apprehension that the trial could undermine "the right to speak freely".
• A third defendant said he disseminated information since he thought it was a worldwide topic with "implications for the country".

Relationship Background

The baseless rumor regarding the first lady's sex gained traction to some extent because the Macrons' relationship has often been a subject of discussion online.

She, who is significantly older than her husband, first met the future president when serving as a teacher at his school.

Their bond evolved through the school's theatre programme, and they wed in the following year, subsequent to her divorce.

She concluded her account by expressing that the inaccurate allegations have caused a "whirlwind that never stops" for her mother.