Inaccurate Claims on Social Media Harmed Brigitte Macron's Well-being, Child Tells the Tribunal
Brigitte Macron's child, her daughter, informed a judicial body in Paris that inaccurate assertions circulating on the internet—among them the unfounded rumor that the French first lady was born a man—have negatively impacted her mother's daily existence.
Auzière, a legal professional, appeared as a witness in the trial of a group of defendants allegedly involved in online harassment against Brigitte Macron.
Effects on Everyday Activities
She testified that the first lady now feels perpetual anxiety about her demeanor, including her attire to how she stands, due to the concern that any image could be distorted to support hateful attacks.
"The result is that she systematically must be cautious to her outfits, her body language, irrespective of her activities in day-to-day existence," she told the court.
Defendants and Accusations
The defendants, aged 41 to 60, are facing charges for online harassment. Several had modest digital reach, while the rest were more prominent.
Each one is alleged to have spreading defamatory content about Brigitte Macron's gender and sexuality. Among them, this included linking her age difference with Emmanuel Macron to inappropriate terms.
If convicted, they may be sentenced to as much as 24 months in jail.
Consequences for Loved Ones
She, a daughter from her mother's initial union, stated how the false claims have led to a "decline of her well-being" and a "decline of her quality of life".
She testified, "Scarcely a day goes by when someone avoids discussing the issue to her."
She pointed out the impact on her relatives, including the kids being exposed to false assertions like "Brigitte is deceptive" or "Your grandmother was born male".
"She does not know how to stop it," Auzière remarked. "She didn't run for election, she never asked for anything, and she is permanently facing these attacks."
Court Case Background
The Paris trial represents a recent development in a broader legal battle targeting the baseless theory that she is supposedly transgender.
They have also filed a legal action in the United States for defamation against a political commentator who spread the claim.
The legal filing clarifies that the allegation is completely false and identifies that the name mentioned is in fact Brigitte Macron's sibling.
Trial Testimonies
In court, some of the accused rejected the accusations.
- A retired business owner, now a deputy mayor, claimed he "had no purpose to inflict damage" and described his online statements as ironic.
- A fiction writer claimed that his online activity were presented as "humor" and expressed concern that the case could undermine "the right to speak freely".
- Another individual explained he disseminated content as he believed it was a worldwide topic with "impact on the nation".
Relationship Background
The baseless rumor regarding the first lady's identity gained traction partly because their union has frequently been a topic of comment in digital spaces.
She, who is two decades older than the president, originally knew the future president when working as a instructor at his school.
The connection between them evolved through drama activities, and they entered into marriage in the following year, following her marriage dissolution.
She concluded her account by stating that the baseless rumors have created a "storm that never stops" for the first lady.