Misleading Claims on the Internet Negatively Impacted Brigitte Macron's Well-being, Daughter Testifies to Court
The French first lady's child, her daughter, informed a Paris court that misleading allegations circulating on the internet—including the groundless claim that she is transgender—have negatively impacted her mother's daily existence.
She, a attorney, served as a witness in the trial of a group of defendants allegedly involved in internet-based abuse against Brigitte Macron.
Consequences on Personal Routine
She stated that the first lady now worries constantly about how she looks, from the clothes she wears to the way she carries herself, because of the apprehension that any image might be misused to support malicious comments.
"The outcome is that she systematically has to pay attention to her outfits, her body language, regardless of she's doing in her daily life," Auzière informed the judges.
Defendants and Charges
The defendants, aged 41 to 60, are in court for digital abuse. Some had limited online influence, while others were more visible.
Each one is charged with posting harmful statements about the first lady's gender and sexuality. For some, this extended to comparing the age gap with the French president to hurtful comparisons.
If convicted, they may be sentenced to as much as 24 months in jail.
Consequences for Loved Ones
Auzière, one of three children from her mother's initial union, explained how the baseless rumors have caused a "deterioration of her physical state" and a "decline of her quality of life".
She said, "Hardly a day goes by when a person does not talk these claims to her."
She pointed out the repercussions on the family, including her grandchildren being exposed to false assertions like "Brigitte is not truthful" or "She is actually a man".
"She has no idea how to end it," she remarked. "She's not elected, she didn't pursue public attention, and she is continually facing these attacks."
Court Case Background
This case is part of an ongoing effort in a extended court case against the false claim that Brigitte Macron was transgender.
The couple have also filed a legal action in the United States alleging slander targeting a conservative podcaster who amplified the theory.
The case states that the allegation is entirely inaccurate and notes that the name mentioned is really Brigitte Macron's older brother.
Accused Individuals' Statements
Throughout the proceedings, a few individuals disputed the allegations.
- An individual, serving as a local official, claimed he "did not mean to inflict damage" and referred to his social media content as satirical.
- A well-known publicist stated that his posts were meant to be "satire" and voiced worry that the trial could endanger "free speech".
- A third defendant explained he shared information as he believed it was a worldwide topic with "impact on the nation".
Personal History
The baseless rumor regarding the first lady's identity circulated in part because their marriage has long been a topic of comment in digital spaces.
The first lady, being 24 years older than the president, originally knew Emmanuel Macron when serving as a teacher at the institution he attended.
Their bond grew through the school's theatre programme, and they entered into marriage in 2007, subsequent to Brigitte Macron's divorce.
Auzière wrapped up her statement by saying that the false claims have produced a "chaos that never stops" for the first lady.