False Allegations Online Damaged Brigitte Macron's Well-being, Daughter Tells Court
Brigitte Macron's child, her daughter, informed a judicial body in Paris that inaccurate assertions circulating on the internet—including the unfounded rumor that the French first lady is transgender—have negatively impacted her mother's personal well-being.
Auzière, a attorney, was called as a testifier in the legal proceedings of a group of defendants allegedly involved in online harassment targeting the first lady.
Impact on Personal Routine
She explained that her mother now feels perpetual anxiety about her appearance, including her fashion choices to the way she carries herself, due to the fear that every photograph could be distorted to advance negative campaigns.
"The consequence is that she constantly needs to be careful to her outfits, her body language, no matter what she's doing in her daily life," she testified.
Accused Individuals and Accusations
The defendants, in that age range, are on trial for internet-based bullying. A few had a small social media following, while others were more prominent.
Every defendant is charged with spreading defamatory content about Brigitte Macron's gender and sexuality. Among them, this involved equating her age difference with the French president to inappropriate terms.
Upon being found guilty, they may be sentenced to a maximum of two years in jail.
Effect on Relatives
She, one of three children from her mother's initial union, described how the inaccurate allegations have caused a "decline of her health" and a "deterioration of her overall existence".
She testified, "Hardly a day passes when someone avoids discussing the issue to her."
She emphasized the impact on the family, such as the kids being exposed to false assertions like "Brigitte is deceptive" or "Your grandmother is your grandfather".
"She is unsure how to stop it," she testified. "She holds no office, she has not sought anything, and she is permanently experiencing this abuse."
Judicial Proceedings Context
The legal proceedings represents a recent development in a wider judicial fight against the false claim that she is supposedly male.
The couple have pursued a case in America alleging slander involving a media personality who amplified the claim.
The case states that the claim is entirely inaccurate and notes that the individual referenced is actually her older brother.
Trial Testimonies
Throughout the proceedings, some of the accused disputed the accusations.
- One defendant, now a deputy mayor, stated he "did not mean to inflict damage" and described his posts as satirical.
- Another defendant argued that his posts were intended as "irony" and expressed concern that the legal action could threaten "freedom of expression".
- An art gallery owner explained he posted content since he thought it was an international matter with "consequences for France".
Past Context
The false theory concerning Brigitte Macron's identity spread partly because their union has long been a subject of discussion online.
Brigitte Macron, being 24 years older than the president, first met him when working as a educator at the institution he attended.
The connection between them developed through the school's theatre programme, and they married in 2007, after her marriage dissolution.
She concluded her testimony by stating that the inaccurate allegations have created a "whirlwind that continues endlessly" for Brigitte Macron.