Inaccurate Claims on Social Media Harmed Brigitte Macron's Daily Life, Child Tells Judges
Brigitte Macron's daughter, her daughter, has told a tribunal in Paris that false claims online—such as the baseless theory that the French first lady is transgender—have negatively impacted her mother's personal well-being.
She, a 41-year-old lawyer, served as a witness in the court case of ten people facing charges for online harassment targeting the first lady.
Consequences on Everyday Activities
Auzière stated that the first lady now is always concerned about how she looks, from her fashion choices to the way she carries herself, because of the apprehension that each snapshot could be manipulated to support malicious comments.
"The result is that she systematically has to pay attention to her outfits, her posture, no matter what her actions in her daily life," Auzière testified.
Those on Trial and Charges
Ten individuals, aged 41 to 60, are on trial for internet-based bullying. Some had limited online influence, while others were better known.
Each one is alleged to have making malicious comments about Brigitte Macron's identity. For some, this included comparing her age difference with Emmanuel Macron to hurtful comparisons.
Upon being found guilty, they face up to two years in prison.
Consequences for Loved Ones
Auzière, one of three children from her mother's initial union, stated how the baseless rumors have led to a "decline of her physical state" and a "decline of her daily happiness".
She explained, "Not a day passes when a person fails to mention these claims to her."
She pointed out the repercussions on her relatives, for example the kids learning about false assertions like "She is deceptive" or "She was born male".
"She has no idea how to end it," Auzière stated. "She's not elected, she didn't pursue any of this, and she is continually facing this abuse."
Judicial Proceedings History
This case is the latest phase in a extended court case against the baseless theory that Brigitte Macron is supposedly a man.
The couple have pursued a US lawsuit over false statements targeting a conservative podcaster who spread the allegation.
The legal filing clarifies that the accusation is completely false and points out that the name mentioned is really Brigitte Macron's older brother.
Trial Testimonies
In court, a few individuals rejected the allegations.
- An individual, holding a public position, stated he "did not mean to hurt anyone" and described his online statements as humorous.
- A well-known publicist argued that his posts were presented as "irony" and voiced worry that the trial could undermine "free speech".
- A third defendant testified he disseminated content since he thought it was an international matter with "impact on the nation".
Relationship Background
The false theory about the first lady's gender spread partly because their marriage has often been a point of interest on the internet.
Brigitte Macron, aged significantly older than her husband, first met the future president when working as a instructor at his secondary school.
Their relationship developed through the school's theatre programme, and they married in the following year, following Brigitte Macron's marriage dissolution.
She concluded her statement by expressing that the false claims have created a "whirlwind that never stops" for Brigitte Macron.