Misleading Claims Online Harmed Brigitte Macron's Well-being, Daughter Testifies to Judges
The French first lady's daughter, her daughter, has told a tribunal in Paris that false claims online—including the unfounded rumor that the French first lady is transgender—have severely damaged her mother's quality of life.
She, a 41-year-old lawyer, served as a witness in the trial of ten people facing charges for internet-based abuse directed at Brigitte Macron.
Impact on Personal Routine
She explained that Brigitte Macron now is always concerned about her appearance, such as the clothes she wears to her posture, due to the fear that each snapshot could be distorted to support negative campaigns.
"The result is that she constantly needs to be careful to her clothing, her posture, no matter what she's doing in day-to-day existence," Auzière told the court.
Those on Trial and Charges
Ten individuals, aged 41 to 60, are in court for online harassment. A few had modest digital reach, while the rest were better known.
Each one is alleged to have making malicious comments about the first lady's personal life. Among them, this involved equating the disparity in years with the French president to inappropriate terms.
Upon being found guilty, they could receive up to two years in incarceration.
Family Impact
She, one of three children from her mother's initial union, explained how the false claims have led to a "decline of her health" and a "worsening of her overall existence".
She said, "Not a day goes by when a person fails to mention the issue to her."
She emphasized the effects on her relatives, such as her grandchildren learning about false assertions like "She is lying" or "She was born male".
"She has no idea how to stop it," Auzière stated. "She didn't run for election, she has not sought any of this, and she is constantly subjected to these assaults."
Legal Battle Context
This case is part of an ongoing effort in a extended court case against the baseless theory that she is supposedly male.
The couple have also filed a case in America for defamation targeting a media personality who spread the allegation.
The legal filing states that the allegation is entirely inaccurate and points out that the name mentioned is actually Brigitte Macron's brother.
Trial Testimonies
During the trial, some of the accused denied the accusations.
- One defendant, holding a public position, stated he "never intended to cause harm" and referred to his posts as humorous.
- A well-known publicist argued that his online activity were intended as "satire" and voiced worry that the trial could undermine "free speech".
- A third defendant explained he posted posts as he believed it was an international matter with "impact on the nation".
Relationship Background
The false theory about Brigitte Macron's identity gained traction in part because their union has long been a point of interest in digital spaces.
The first lady, aged 24 years older than the president, first met the future president when she was a instructor at his secondary school.
Their relationship developed through drama activities, and they married in the following year, after Brigitte Macron's divorce.
Auzière finished her testimony by expressing that the inaccurate allegations have produced a "storm that continues endlessly" for Brigitte Macron.