Misleading Claims on Social Media Harmed Brigitte Macron's Daily Life, Daughter Testifies to the Tribunal
The French first lady's daughter, her daughter, has told a judicial body in Paris that inaccurate assertions online—among them the unfounded rumor that Brigitte Macron was born a man—have significantly harmed her mother's daily existence.
Auzière, a 41-year-old lawyer, was called as a witness in the court case of ten people facing charges for internet-based abuse against the first lady.
Consequences on Personal Routine
She stated that Brigitte Macron now feels perpetual anxiety about her appearance, from her attire to how she stands, due to the fear that each snapshot may be distorted to advance negative campaigns.
"The consequence is that she always needs to be careful to her outfits, her body language, no matter what her actions in day-to-day existence," Auzière informed the judges.
Those on Trial and Accusations
Ten individuals, aged 41 to 60, are in court for online harassment. Some had a small social media following, while others were more visible.
All is charged with spreading defamatory content about the first lady's personal life. Among them, this extended to equating the age gap with Emmanuel Macron to offensive labels.
If convicted, they may be sentenced to a maximum of two years in prison.
Family Impact
She, a daughter from her mother's previous marriage, explained how the inaccurate allegations have led to a "decline of her physical state" and a "deterioration of her quality of life".
She said, "Hardly a day goes by when someone does not talk these claims to her."
She highlighted the effects on her relatives, such as the younger generation learning about hurtful comments like "Brigitte is lying" or "She is your grandfather".
"She does not know how to stop it," Auzière remarked. "She's not elected, she never asked for public attention, and she is continually subjected to these attacks."
Judicial Proceedings Context
This case is part of an ongoing effort in a extended court case against the false claim that the first lady is supposedly transgender.
The couple have also filed a legal action in the United States for defamation involving a media personality who spread the theory.
The case asserts that the allegation is entirely inaccurate and points out that the person cited is actually her brother.
Accused Individuals' Statements
In court, a few individuals denied the charges.
- One defendant, now a deputy mayor, asserted he "had no purpose to cause harm" and referred to his online statements as humorous.
- A fiction writer argued that his social media shares were presented as "satire" and highlighted apprehension that the case could undermine "free speech".
- An art gallery owner explained he shared content since he thought it was a global issue with "implications for the country".
Relationship Background
The false theory regarding the first lady's gender spread partly because their marriage has frequently been a point of interest on the internet.
The first lady, who is 24 years older than Emmanuel Macron, first met Emmanuel Macron when she was a educator at his school.
The connection between them developed through the school's theatre programme, and they wed in 2007, subsequent to her separation.
She concluded her testimony by expressing that the false claims have produced a "storm that continues endlessly" for the first lady.