Misleading Claims Online Negatively Impacted Brigitte Macron's Quality of Life, Daughter Informs the Tribunal
The French first lady's daughter, her daughter, has told a tribunal in Paris that misleading allegations online—among them the baseless theory that Brigitte Macron had a male birth identity—have severely damaged her mother's personal well-being.
Auzière, a attorney, served as a testifier in the court case of 10 individuals allegedly involved in digital bullying targeting the first lady.
Effects on Everyday Activities
She explained that Brigitte Macron now worries constantly about her demeanor, such as the clothes she wears to her posture, due to the fear that any image may be distorted to support negative campaigns.
"The outcome is that she systematically must be cautious to her clothing, her body language, no matter what her actions in everyday routine," Auzière informed the judges.
Those on Trial and Charges
Ten individuals, aged 41 to 60, are facing charges for digital abuse. Several had limited online influence, while others were more prominent.
Every defendant is alleged to have spreading defamatory content about the first lady's gender and sexuality. In certain cases, this extended to equating her age difference with her husband to offensive labels.
If found responsible, they could receive up to two years in jail.
Consequences for Loved Ones
She, one of three children from Brigitte Macron's initial union, explained how the false claims have caused a "deterioration of her well-being" and a "deterioration of her overall existence".
She said, "Scarcely a day passes when someone fails to mention the issue to her."
She emphasized the effects on her relatives, such as the kids being exposed to hurtful comments like "Brigitte is lying" or "She is your grandfather".
"She has no idea how to end it," she stated. "She didn't run for election, she never asked for public attention, and she is permanently experiencing these assaults."
Judicial Proceedings History
The Paris trial is part of an ongoing effort in a wider judicial fight against the inaccurate allegation that she is supposedly male.
They have initiated a legal action in the United States over false statements targeting a media personality who amplified the allegation.
The legal filing states that the claim is entirely inaccurate and notes that the individual referenced is actually Brigitte Macron's older brother.
Trial Testimonies
In court, several defendants rejected the accusations.
- An individual, now a deputy mayor, claimed he "did not mean to inflict damage" and described his social media content as satirical.
- A well-known publicist claimed that his posts were meant to be "humor" and expressed concern that the case could threaten "the right to speak freely".
- An art gallery owner explained he disseminated content as he believed it was a worldwide topic with "consequences for France".
Past Context
The baseless rumor regarding the first lady's identity gained traction partly because the Macrons' relationship has frequently been a subject of discussion in digital spaces.
She, who is significantly older than Emmanuel Macron, first met him when serving as a instructor at his secondary school.
Their relationship grew through theatrical projects, and they entered into marriage in 2007, following Brigitte Macron's separation.
Auzière finished her testimony by stating that the false claims have created a "whirlwind that does not cease" for the first lady.