Misleading Claims Online Harmed Brigitte Macron's Daily Life, Daughter Informs Judges
Brigitte Macron's child, her daughter, testified to a tribunal in Paris that false claims circulating on the internet—such as the unfounded rumor that she had a male birth identity—have severely damaged her mother's quality of life.
She, a attorney, served as a witness in the trial of a group of defendants allegedly involved in digital bullying targeting the first lady.
Consequences on Daily Life
Auzière stated that the first lady now worries constantly about her demeanor, such as her attire to her posture, due to the concern that any image may be distorted to support negative campaigns.
"The outcome is that she constantly needs to be careful to what she wears, how she holds herself, regardless of she's doing in everyday routine," Auzière testified.
Defendants and Charges
Ten individuals, in that age range, are facing charges for online harassment. A few had modest digital reach, while others were more prominent.
All is accused of posting harmful statements about Brigitte Macron's personal life. In certain cases, this involved comparing the disparity in years with the French president to inappropriate terms.
If convicted, they may be sentenced to up to two years in prison.
Family Impact
Auzière, 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 "worsening of her overall existence".
She testified, "Not a day passes when someone fails to mention the issue to her."
Auzière highlighted the impact on her relatives, for example her grandchildren hearing malicious statements like "She is deceptive" or "She is actually a man".
"She has no idea how to end it," Auzière stated. "She holds no office, she didn't pursue anything, and she is constantly facing these assaults."
Court Case Context
The Paris trial represents a recent development in a broader legal battle targeting the baseless theory that she was transgender.
The Macrons have initiated a case in America over false statements against a media personality who amplified the claim.
The legal filing clarifies that the accusation is completely false and notes that the individual referenced is really Brigitte Macron's older brother.
Defendants' Responses
Throughout the proceedings, several defendants rejected the accusations.
- A retired business owner, holding a public position, asserted he "did not mean to cause harm" and described his posts as humorous.
- A fiction writer argued that his posts were intended as "satire" and expressed concern that the legal action could endanger "the right to speak freely".
- An art gallery owner said he shared information as he believed it was an international matter with "impact on the nation".
Past Context
The inaccurate claim concerning the first lady's gender circulated partly because the Macrons' relationship has long been a subject of discussion online.
Brigitte Macron, being 24 years older than Emmanuel Macron, initially encountered the future president when serving as a instructor at the institution he attended.
The connection between them developed through theatrical projects, and they married in the following year, following her divorce.
She concluded her account by expressing that the inaccurate allegations have produced a "whirlwind that continues endlessly" for her mother.