False Allegations Online Negatively Impacted Brigitte Macron's Well-being, Child Tells Judges
The French first lady's daughter, her daughter, testified to a Paris court that false claims online—among them the unfounded rumor that she had a male birth identity—have significantly harmed her mother's daily existence.
She, a attorney, was called as a witness in the trial of ten people allegedly involved in digital bullying targeting Brigitte Macron.
Effects on Daily Life
Auzière stated that her mother now feels perpetual anxiety about how she looks, including her fashion choices to her posture, due to the apprehension that any image may be distorted to advance malicious comments.
"The outcome is that she always has to pay attention to her outfits, her body language, no matter what she's doing in everyday routine," she told the court.
Accused Individuals and Accusations
Eight men and two women, between 41 and 60 years old, are facing charges for digital abuse. Some had limited online influence, while others were more prominent.
Every defendant is charged with posting harmful statements about the first lady's gender and sexuality. In certain cases, this involved comparing the age gap with Emmanuel Macron to offensive labels.
Upon being found guilty, they face up to two years in incarceration.
Effect on Relatives
Auzière, a daughter from Brigitte Macron's first marriage, described how the false claims have caused a "decline of her physical state" and a "deterioration of her daily happiness".
She explained, "Hardly a day passes when an individual does not talk this to her."
She emphasized the impact on her relatives, for example the younger generation learning about hurtful comments like "She is deceptive" or "Your grandmother was born male".
"She does not know what to do about it," Auzière stated. "She didn't run for election, she didn't pursue anything, and she is continually subjected to these assaults."
Legal Battle Background
The legal proceedings is the latest phase in a broader legal battle targeting the baseless theory that the first lady is a man.
The couple have initiated a US lawsuit for defamation involving a political commentator who spread the allegation.
The lawsuit asserts that the claim is completely false and notes that the person cited is in fact her sibling.
Accused Individuals' Statements
Throughout the proceedings, a few individuals rejected the accusations.
- A retired business owner, holding a public position, claimed he "did not mean to hurt anyone" and referred to his social media content as satirical.
- A well-known publicist argued that his posts were presented as "satire" and highlighted apprehension that the legal action could endanger "freedom of expression".
- A third defendant explained he disseminated information because he felt it was an international matter with "impact on the nation".
Personal History
The inaccurate claim about Brigitte Macron's sex spread in part because their union has long been a subject of discussion on the internet.
The first lady, being two decades older than her husband, first met him when serving as a educator at the institution he attended.
Their bond developed through drama activities, and they wed in 2007, following her separation.
She finished her account by stating that the false claims have caused a "storm that never stops" for the first lady.