Inaccurate Claims on Social Media Negatively Impacted Brigitte Macron's Daily Life, Child Informs the Tribunal
The French first lady's daughter, her daughter, has told a judicial body in Paris that misleading allegations circulating on the internet—such as the baseless theory that the French first lady had a male birth identity—have severely damaged her mother's quality of life.
Auzière, a attorney, appeared as a testifier in the trial of ten people facing charges for internet-based abuse against her mother.
Impact on Daily Life
She explained that Brigitte Macron now feels perpetual anxiety about her demeanor, from the clothes she wears to her posture, due to the apprehension that each snapshot may be misused to support malicious comments.
"The result is that she systematically must be cautious to her outfits, her posture, regardless of her activities in everyday routine," she testified.
Defendants and Accusations
Ten individuals, aged 41 to 60, are in court for internet-based bullying. A few had modest digital reach, while several more were more prominent.
Every defendant is alleged to have posting harmful statements about Brigitte Macron's gender and sexuality. In certain cases, this extended to comparing her age difference with Emmanuel Macron to inappropriate terms.
If convicted, they face up to two years in incarceration.
Family Impact
Auzière, one of three children from her mother's previous marriage, explained how the baseless rumors have caused a "deterioration of her physical state" and a "decline of her overall existence".
She testified, "Scarcely a day goes by when an individual fails to mention these claims to her."
Auzière pointed out the impact on her relatives, such as the kids hearing malicious statements like "She is lying" or "She was born male".
"She has no idea how to end it," she stated. "She didn't run for election, she didn't pursue anything, and she is continually experiencing this abuse."
Judicial Proceedings Context
The legal proceedings is the latest phase in a wider judicial fight addressing the inaccurate allegation that she is supposedly transgender.
They have pursued a case in America for defamation against a political commentator who spread the allegation.
The case states that the claim is entirely inaccurate and points out that the individual referenced is really Brigitte Macron's older brother.
Accused Individuals' Statements
Throughout the proceedings, a few individuals denied the allegations.
- A retired business owner, serving as a local official, claimed he "did not mean to hurt anyone" and described his online statements as ironic.
- A well-known publicist claimed that his posts were intended as "satire" and expressed concern that the case could threaten "freedom of expression".
- Another individual said he posted posts because he felt it was a global issue with "impact on the nation".
Personal History
The inaccurate claim concerning Brigitte Macron's gender spread to some extent because the Macrons' relationship has long been a subject of discussion in digital spaces.
She, who is two decades older than the president, first met Emmanuel Macron when she was a teacher at his school.
Their bond developed through drama activities, and they married in that year, following Brigitte Macron's marriage dissolution.
Auzière wrapped up her testimony by saying that the inaccurate allegations have created a "storm that never stops" for the first lady.