False Claims on Social Media Damaged Brigitte Macron's Quality of Life, Daughter Informs Judges
Brigitte Macron's child, her daughter, has told a judicial body in Paris that inaccurate assertions circulating on the internet—such as the baseless theory that the French first lady had a male birth identity—have significantly harmed her mother's daily existence.
Auzière, a attorney, served as a witness in the trial of ten people accused of digital bullying directed at Brigitte Macron.
Effects on Personal Routine
Auzière 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 concern that every photograph might be misused to support negative campaigns.
"The outcome is that she always has to pay attention to her clothing, her body language, no matter what she's doing in everyday routine," she told the court.
Accused Individuals and Charges
Eight men and two women, aged 41 to 60, are on trial for online harassment. Some had modest digital reach, while others were more prominent.
All is alleged to have spreading defamatory content about the first lady's personal life. Among them, this included linking her age difference with Emmanuel Macron to offensive labels.
If found responsible, they could receive a maximum of two years in incarceration.
Effect on Relatives
Auzière, a family member from her mother's initial union, described how the inaccurate allegations have caused a "worsening of her health" and a "worsening of her quality of life".
She testified, "Hardly a day goes by when an individual avoids discussing the issue to her."
She pointed out the effects on loved ones, for example her grandchildren being exposed to malicious statements like "Brigitte is deceptive" or "Your grandmother is your grandfather".
"She does not know what to do about it," she remarked. "She didn't run for election, she has not sought any of this, and she is permanently subjected to this abuse."
Judicial Proceedings Context
The Paris trial is part of an ongoing effort in a broader legal battle addressing the baseless theory that she was male.
They have initiated a US lawsuit over false statements targeting a media personality who spread the claim.
The lawsuit asserts that the accusation is totally unfounded and notes that the name mentioned is in fact her older brother.
Accused Individuals' Statements
During the trial, a few individuals denied the allegations.
- A retired business owner, now a deputy mayor, asserted he "did not mean to inflict damage" and referred to his online statements as ironic.
- A well-known publicist argued that his posts were meant to be "satire" and expressed concern that the case could undermine "free speech".
- Another individual said he posted information since he thought it was a global issue with "implications for the country".
Relationship Background
The inaccurate claim regarding the first lady's sex spread partly because their marriage has often been a point of interest online.
Brigitte Macron, being two decades older than Emmanuel Macron, first met Emmanuel Macron when working as a educator at his secondary school.
The connection between them developed through drama activities, and they wed in the following year, following her separation.
Auzière concluded her testimony by stating that the inaccurate allegations have caused a "whirlwind that never stops" for Brigitte Macron.