Misleading Assertions Online Damaged Brigitte Macron's Daily Life, Child Testifies to the Tribunal
The French first lady's daughter, her daughter, has told a Paris court that misleading allegations spread through social media—including the baseless theory that the French first lady had a male birth identity—have negatively impacted her mother's personal well-being.
She, a 41-year-old lawyer, appeared as a witness in the trial of 10 individuals facing charges for internet-based abuse directed at her mother.
Consequences on Daily Life
She testified that Brigitte Macron now feels perpetual anxiety about her demeanor, such as the clothes she wears to her posture, because of the fear that each snapshot might be distorted to fuel malicious comments.
"The outcome is that she constantly needs to be careful to her outfits, how she holds herself, regardless of she's doing in day-to-day existence," Auzière testified.
Those on Trial and Charges
Eight men and two women, in that age range, are facing charges for online harassment. Some had modest digital reach, while several more were more prominent.
All is alleged to have making malicious comments about the first lady's identity. In certain cases, this included equating the disparity in years with Emmanuel Macron to inappropriate terms.
If convicted, they could receive as much as 24 months in incarceration.
Effect on Relatives
Auzière, a family member from her mother's first marriage, explained how the false claims have led to a "worsening of her health" and a "decline of her overall existence".
She testified, "Not a day passes when someone does not talk the issue to her."
She emphasized the repercussions on the family, including the kids learning about malicious statements like "She is lying" or "She was born male".
"She is unsure what to do about it," she stated. "She holds no office, she didn't pursue any of this, and she is continually subjected to these attacks."
Judicial Proceedings Context
The legal proceedings is part of an ongoing effort in a wider judicial fight targeting the inaccurate allegation that she is supposedly male.
The Macrons have also filed a legal action in the United States alleging slander against a media personality who promoted the theory.
The lawsuit states that the claim is entirely inaccurate and notes that the individual referenced is actually her older brother.
Trial Testimonies
During the trial, a few individuals rejected the allegations.
- A retired business owner, holding a public position, claimed he "did not mean to cause harm" and referred to his social media content as humorous.
- Another defendant claimed that his online activity were presented as "satire" and voiced worry that the case could undermine "freedom of expression".
- A third defendant testified he shared information as he believed it was a worldwide topic with "consequences for France".
Relationship Background
The false theory concerning Brigitte Macron's sex circulated partly because their marriage has often been a subject of discussion on the internet.
She, aged two decades older than her husband, first met him when she was a teacher at his school.
Their relationship evolved through drama activities, and they wed in the following year, after her marriage dissolution.
Auzière wrapped up her testimony by stating that the false claims have created a "whirlwind that continues endlessly" for Brigitte Macron.