Inaccurate Assertions on the Internet Negatively Impacted Brigitte Macron's Quality of Life, Daughter Tells the Tribunal
Brigitte Macron's child, her daughter, informed a Paris court that misleading allegations online—among them the unfounded rumor that Brigitte Macron had a male birth identity—have significantly harmed her mother's daily existence.
She, a 41-year-old lawyer, was called as a testifier in the court case of 10 individuals accused of digital bullying targeting Brigitte Macron.
Effects on Personal Routine
She explained that the first lady now worries constantly about how she looks, including the clothes she wears to how she stands, due to the apprehension that any image might be misused to support negative campaigns.
"The consequence is that she constantly has to pay attention to what she wears, how she holds herself, regardless of her activities in her daily life," Auzière told the court.
Accused Individuals and Allegations
Eight men and two women, aged 41 to 60, are on trial for online harassment. Some had modest digital reach, while several more were more visible.
All is charged with posting harmful statements about Brigitte Macron's gender and sexuality. Among them, this extended to equating her age difference with the French president to hurtful comparisons.
If convicted, they may be sentenced to up to two years in jail.
Effect on Relatives
Auzière, one of three children from Brigitte Macron's previous marriage, explained how the inaccurate allegations have resulted in a "worsening of her well-being" and a "deterioration of her quality of life".
She said, "Scarcely a day passes when an individual fails to mention the issue to her."
Auzière emphasized the effects on the family, including the younger generation learning about malicious statements like "Your grandmother is deceptive" or "She was born male".
"She is unsure what to do about it," Auzière stated. "She's not elected, she has not sought any of this, and she is constantly subjected to this abuse."
Legal Battle Background
The legal proceedings is the latest phase in a extended court case targeting the inaccurate allegation that she was a man.
The couple have pursued a legal action in the United States over false statements against a political commentator who spread the allegation.
The case asserts that the accusation is completely false and notes that the individual referenced is actually Brigitte Macron's sibling.
Trial Testimonies
During the trial, several defendants denied the accusations.
- A retired business owner, now a deputy mayor, stated he "never intended to hurt anyone" and described his posts as humorous.
- A fiction writer claimed that his posts were meant to be "humor" and voiced worry that the trial could threaten "free speech".
- An art gallery owner explained he posted content as he believed it was a global issue with "impact on the nation".
Relationship Background
The false theory regarding the first lady's sex circulated to some extent because their union has often been a subject of discussion on the internet.
She, aged significantly older than the president, first met the future president when she was a educator at the institution he attended.
Their bond developed through theatrical projects, and they entered into marriage in the following year, following her separation.
She finished her testimony by expressing that the false claims have caused a "chaos that continues endlessly" for the first lady.