Inaccurate Assertions on Social Media Damaged Brigitte Macron's Daily Life, Child Tells Court
Brigitte Macron's child, her daughter, has told a tribunal in Paris that misleading allegations online—among them the unfounded rumor that the French first lady is transgender—have negatively impacted her mother's personal well-being.
She, a attorney, was called as a witness in the court case of ten people facing charges for digital bullying targeting the first lady.
Impact on Everyday Activities
She explained that the first lady now worries constantly about her appearance, from the clothes she wears to the way she carries herself, because of the apprehension that every photograph could be misused to support negative campaigns.
"The result is that she constantly has to pay attention to her clothing, her posture, no matter what she's doing in day-to-day existence," Auzière informed the judges.
Those on Trial and Allegations
Ten individuals, in that age range, are in court for online harassment. Several had limited online influence, while others were better known.
All is charged with posting harmful statements about the first lady's gender and sexuality. Among them, this involved linking the age gap with the French president to offensive labels.
If found responsible, they may be sentenced to as much as 24 months in incarceration.
Effect on Relatives
Auzière, one of three children from Brigitte Macron's previous marriage, described how the baseless rumors have caused a "decline of her well-being" and a "deterioration of her daily happiness".
She testified, "Hardly a day goes by when an individual does not talk these claims to her."
Auzière highlighted the impact on her relatives, including the younger generation being exposed to malicious statements like "Your grandmother is deceptive" or "She was born male".
"She does not know how to stop it," Auzière stated. "She didn't run for election, she didn't pursue anything, and she is continually experiencing these attacks."
Court Case Context
This case is the latest phase in a extended court case against the inaccurate allegation that Brigitte Macron is supposedly a man.
The couple have pursued a US lawsuit for defamation targeting a conservative podcaster who spread the theory.
The case states that the allegation is completely false and identifies that the person cited is really her sibling.
Accused Individuals' Statements
In court, a few individuals denied the allegations.
- One defendant, now a deputy mayor, claimed he "had no purpose to inflict damage" and referred to his posts as humorous.
- A fiction writer argued that his social media shares were presented as "humor" and voiced worry that the legal action could endanger "the right to speak freely".
- An art gallery owner testified he posted content since he thought it was an international matter with "consequences for France".
Past Context
The baseless rumor concerning Brigitte Macron's sex spread to some extent because the Macrons' relationship has frequently been a topic of comment on the internet.
She, who is two decades older than Emmanuel Macron, originally knew Emmanuel Macron when serving as a instructor at the institution he attended.
Their bond grew through drama activities, and they wed in 2007, following Brigitte Macron's separation.
She concluded her statement by expressing that the baseless rumors have created a "storm that continues endlessly" for her mother.