French President Emmanuel Macron has publicly addressed the persistent rumors surrounding his wife, Brigitte Macron, denouncing claims that she was born a man as "false and fabricated." In a rare display of frustration, the President spoke out against the ongoing speculation and the misogynistic nature of such attacks, highlighting the daily struggles women face against online abuse.
Macron's statement, made on International Women's Day, coincided with his efforts to enshrine the right to abortion in France's constitution. "The worst thing is the false information and fabricated scenarios," said Macron. "People eventually believe them and disturb you, even in your intimacy."
The couple has been subjected to relentless scrutiny, with two individuals, Amandine Roy and Natacha Rey, spreading false information about Brigitte's identity. They alleged that she was born as a male named Jean-Michel Trogneux in 1953 and cast doubt on the existence of her first husband, André-Louis Auzière.
The unfounded accusations gained traction in 2022, particularly within far-right circles during President Macron's re-election campaign. Groups like the Yellow Vests and anti-vaccine protesters seized upon the rumors to undermine the President. However, the claims have been refuted, with the controversial video spreading misinformation removed from YouTube.
Brigitte Macron's daughter, Tiphaine Auzière, publicly addressed the fabricated allegations, shedding light on the impact they have had on her family. In an interview with Paris Match magazine, Auzière said, "I have concerns about the level of society when I hear what is circulating on social networks about my mother being a man." She also recounted the emotional turmoil she experienced upon learning about her mother's relationship with a young Emmanuel when she was a child.
The legal proceedings surrounding this case brought forth witnesses, including Catherine and Jean-Louis Auzière, who played a role in debunking the false narrative. Jean-Louis Auzière, once Brigitte Macron's uncle, told the court, "I worked with Brigitte until the end of the 1980s, I can confirm to you that she is not a man."
Despite initially being fined for libel, the penalties against Roy and Rey were significantly reduced upon appeal, with the fines described as "symbolic." Frédéric Pichon, Rey's defense barrister, expressed outrage at the disproportionate means deployed by the authorities to silence his client, claiming that her investigation was carried out in good faith and in line with the right to freedom of expression.
All parties involved agreed to the reconciliatory "symbolic fines" as a final settlement to what had become a significant embarrassment for the Macrons. The original complaint against Roy and Rey was for invasion of private life, violation of image rights, and infringement of personality rights, but the final case was for defamation.
President Macron's public condemnation of the transgender rumors surrounding his wife comes at a time when the couple has been under intense scrutiny. The transphobic claims, which were picked up by far-right groups during the President's re-election campaign, have been a source of distress for the Macrons and their family.
