Inaccurate Allegations on Social Media Harmed Brigitte Macron's Quality of Life, Child Tells Judges
Brigitte Macron's child, her daughter, has told a judicial body in Paris that false claims circulating on the internet—among them the baseless theory that she is transgender—have significantly harmed her mother's daily existence.
Auzière, a 41-year-old lawyer, was called as a testifier in the court case of ten people facing charges for internet-based abuse against the first lady.
Consequences on Everyday Activities
Auzière testified that her mother now worries constantly about her appearance, including the clothes she wears to her posture, as a result of the fear that any image may be misused to support hateful attacks.
"The consequence is that she always must be cautious to her outfits, her posture, no matter what her actions in day-to-day existence," Auzière informed the judges.
Accused Individuals and Accusations
Eight men and two women, aged 41 to 60, are facing charges for digital abuse. Some had modest digital reach, while the rest were more prominent.
All is alleged to have spreading defamatory content about Brigitte Macron's personal life. In certain cases, this extended to linking her age difference with Emmanuel Macron to hurtful comparisons.
Upon being found guilty, they face a maximum of two years in incarceration.
Consequences for Loved Ones
Auzière, a daughter from her mother's previous marriage, described how the false claims have resulted in a "worsening of her health" and a "decline of her daily happiness".
She testified, "Hardly a day goes by when a person does not talk the issue to her."
She emphasized the effects on the family, including the younger generation hearing false assertions like "She is not truthful" or "She is your grandfather".
"She is unsure how to end it," Auzière testified. "She's not elected, she has not sought public attention, and she is constantly facing these assaults."
Court Case Background
The legal proceedings is part of an ongoing effort in a wider judicial fight addressing the inaccurate allegation that she was transgender.
The Macrons have initiated a legal action in the United States for defamation against a media personality who amplified the claim.
The lawsuit clarifies that the claim is completely false and identifies that the person cited is in fact Brigitte Macron's older brother.
Defendants' Responses
During the trial, a few individuals disputed the accusations.
- One defendant, holding a public position, claimed he "never intended to hurt anyone" and described his posts as satirical.
- A fiction writer stated that his social media shares were presented as "irony" and highlighted apprehension that the legal action could threaten "free speech".
- An art gallery owner testified he disseminated information as he believed it was a global issue with "impact on the nation".
Past Context
The false theory regarding the first lady's sex circulated in part because their union has frequently been a subject of discussion online.
She, being two decades older than her husband, initially encountered the future president when serving as a teacher at the institution he attended.
Their relationship grew through the school's theatre programme, and they wed in that year, subsequent to her marriage dissolution.
She finished her testimony by stating that the false claims have produced a "whirlwind that does not cease" for Brigitte Macron.