Inaccurate Assertions on Social Media Harmed Brigitte Macron's Well-being, Child Testifies to the Tribunal
The French first lady's child, her daughter, informed a judicial body in Paris that inaccurate assertions circulating on the internet—among them the baseless theory that she is transgender—have severely damaged her mother's daily existence.
Auzière, a legal professional, appeared as a witness in the legal proceedings of a group of defendants accused of digital bullying targeting the first lady.
Impact on Daily Life
She stated that her mother now is always concerned about her appearance, such as her attire to the way she carries herself, as a result of the fear that every photograph may be distorted to fuel negative campaigns.
"The result is that she systematically needs to be careful to her clothing, her posture, no matter what her actions in her daily life," she told the court.
Defendants and Charges
Eight men and two women, between 41 and 60 years old, are on trial for online harassment. Some had limited online influence, while others were better known.
Each one is charged with posting harmful statements about the first lady's identity. For some, this included linking her age difference with her husband to hurtful comparisons.
If convicted, they face as much as 24 months in incarceration.
Effect on Relatives
She, a daughter from her mother's previous marriage, stated how the baseless rumors have led to a "decline of her physical state" and a "deterioration of her daily happiness".
She said, "Scarcely a day passes when a person avoids discussing this to her."
She emphasized the repercussions on loved ones, such as the kids hearing false assertions like "Brigitte is lying" or "She is actually a man".
"She does not know how to stop it," she stated. "She's not elected, she didn't pursue public attention, and she is permanently facing these attacks."
Legal Battle Context
This case represents a recent development in a broader legal battle targeting the inaccurate allegation that Brigitte Macron is supposedly a man.
The couple have pursued a US lawsuit for defamation targeting a conservative podcaster who amplified the allegation.
The legal filing asserts that the claim is completely false and notes that the person cited is really her sibling.
Defendants' Responses
Throughout the proceedings, a few individuals disputed the accusations.
- An individual, now a deputy mayor, claimed he "never intended to inflict damage" 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 threaten "free speech".
- A third defendant said he shared posts as he believed it was an international matter with "consequences for France".
Personal History
The baseless rumor about Brigitte Macron's gender spread partly because their union has often been a topic of comment online.
She, who is 24 years older than Emmanuel Macron, first met Emmanuel Macron when working as a instructor at the institution he attended.
Their relationship grew through drama activities, and they wed in that year, after Brigitte Macron's divorce.
She concluded her testimony by saying that the inaccurate allegations have caused a "whirlwind that never stops" for her mother.
