Inaccurate Claims on Social Media Damaged Brigitte Macron's Well-being, Child Testifies to Judges
The French first lady's daughter, her daughter, has told a Paris court that misleading allegations circulating on the internet—among them the groundless claim that the French first lady had a male birth identity—have severely damaged her mother's personal well-being.
Auzière, a 41-year-old lawyer, served as a testifier in the trial of ten people accused of online harassment against Brigitte Macron.
Consequences on Everyday Activities
She testified that her mother now feels perpetual anxiety about her demeanor, such as her attire to how she stands, because of the fear that any image could be manipulated to advance negative campaigns.
"The result is that she systematically must be cautious to what she wears, her body language, regardless of her activities in everyday routine," Auzière informed the judges.
Those on Trial and Allegations
Eight men and two women, aged 41 to 60, are on trial for digital abuse. A few had a small social media following, while others were better known.
Each one is charged with spreading defamatory content about Brigitte Macron's personal life. In certain cases, this extended to equating the age gap with her husband to hurtful comparisons.
If convicted, they could receive a maximum of two years in incarceration.
Consequences for Loved Ones
Auzière, a family member from Brigitte Macron's initial union, described how the baseless rumors have led to a "worsening of her health" and a "decline of her daily happiness".
She explained, "Not a day goes by when someone fails to mention this to her."
Auzière pointed out the impact on the family, for example the kids hearing malicious statements like "She is not truthful" or "She is your grandfather".
"She is unsure what to do about it," she stated. "She didn't run for election, she never asked for anything, and she is permanently experiencing these attacks."
Judicial Proceedings Background
This case is the latest phase in a extended court case targeting the inaccurate allegation that she is supposedly a man.
The couple have initiated a case in America over false statements involving a media personality who spread the claim.
The case asserts that the allegation is totally unfounded and points out that the name mentioned is actually her brother.
Defendants' Responses
During the trial, several defendants disputed the charges.
- An individual, holding a public position, asserted he "never intended to inflict damage" and described his online statements as ironic.
- A fiction writer claimed that his posts were meant to be "humor" and highlighted apprehension that the legal action could endanger "free speech".
- A third defendant explained he disseminated information since he thought it was a worldwide topic with "implications for the country".
Personal History
The baseless rumor regarding Brigitte Macron's sex gained traction in part because their union has often been a point of interest on the internet.
Brigitte Macron, who is 24 years older than the president, initially encountered the future president when serving as a educator at the institution he attended.
Their bond evolved through drama activities, and they wed in 2007, following Brigitte Macron's divorce.
Auzière finished her testimony by expressing that the inaccurate allegations have produced a "whirlwind that never stops" for Brigitte Macron.