Inaccurate Allegations Online Negatively Impacted Brigitte Macron's Quality of Life, Child Testifies to Court
The French first lady's child, her daughter, informed a tribunal in Paris that misleading allegations circulating on the internet—including the unfounded rumor that she had a male birth identity—have significantly harmed her mother's quality of life.
Auzière, a attorney, was called as a witness in the legal proceedings of a group of defendants accused of online harassment targeting her mother.
Impact on Everyday Activities
Auzière stated that the first lady now worries constantly about how she looks, including her attire to how she stands, as a result of the apprehension that each snapshot might be manipulated to fuel negative campaigns.
"The consequence is that she systematically must be cautious to her clothing, her posture, irrespective of her actions in everyday routine," she told the court.
Those on Trial and Allegations
Ten individuals, between 41 and 60 years old, are on trial for digital abuse. A few had limited online influence, while the rest were more prominent.
Each one is charged with spreading defamatory content about the first lady's personal life. For some, this included linking the disparity in years with Emmanuel Macron to inappropriate terms.
Upon being found guilty, they face as much as 24 months in jail.
Effect on Relatives
She, a family member from her mother's initial union, described how the inaccurate allegations have resulted in a "worsening of her physical state" and a "worsening of her daily happiness".
She said, "Not a day goes by when an individual fails to mention these claims to her."
Auzière emphasized the repercussions on loved ones, including the kids hearing hurtful comments like "She is deceptive" or "Your grandmother is your grandfather".
"She does not know what to do about it," she testified. "She didn't run for election, she didn't pursue any of this, and she is constantly subjected to this abuse."
Judicial Proceedings History
The legal proceedings is the latest phase in a broader legal battle addressing the inaccurate allegation that the first lady is supposedly transgender.
The Macrons have initiated a US lawsuit over false statements involving a conservative podcaster who promoted the claim.
The legal filing asserts that the allegation is completely false and notes that the name mentioned is really her older brother.
Trial Testimonies
During the trial, several defendants disputed the charges.
- An individual, holding a public position, stated he "had no purpose to hurt anyone" and described his posts as humorous.
- Another defendant stated that his online activity were meant to be "irony" and voiced worry that the case could endanger "free speech".
- A third defendant testified he disseminated posts as he believed it was an international matter with "impact on the nation".
Personal History
The inaccurate claim about the first lady's gender circulated to some extent because their union has frequently been a topic of comment in digital spaces.
Brigitte Macron, who is significantly older than her husband, first met him when serving as a educator at his school.
The connection between them evolved through theatrical projects, and they married in 2007, following her marriage dissolution.
She wrapped up her testimony by saying that the false claims have created a "storm that does not cease" for the first lady.