Misleading Assertions on Social Media Damaged Brigitte Macron's Well-being, Child Testifies to Court
The French first lady's child, her daughter, informed a tribunal in Paris that inaccurate assertions circulating on the internet—including the unfounded rumor 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 witness in the trial of a group of defendants facing charges for internet-based abuse targeting Brigitte Macron.
Effects on Personal Routine
She testified that her mother now is always concerned about how she looks, such as her fashion choices to her posture, due to the fear that each snapshot could be distorted to fuel negative campaigns.
"The consequence is that she constantly must be cautious to what she wears, her posture, regardless of her actions in everyday routine," Auzière informed the judges.
Defendants and Charges
The defendants, aged 41 to 60, are in court for online harassment. Some had a small social media following, while several more were more prominent.
Each one is accused of spreading defamatory content about the first lady's gender and sexuality. Among them, this extended to comparing the age gap with her husband to hurtful comparisons.
If convicted, they may be sentenced to up to two years in prison.
Family Impact
Auzière, a family member from her mother's previous marriage, stated how the false claims have resulted in a "worsening of her health" and a "worsening of her overall existence".
She said, "Not a day passes when someone fails to mention this to her."
Auzière pointed out the effects on her relatives, for example her grandchildren learning about hurtful comments like "Brigitte is lying" or "Your grandmother is actually a man".
"She is unsure how to end it," she stated. "She holds no office, she didn't pursue anything, and she is permanently facing this abuse."
Court Case Context
This case represents a recent development in a extended court case addressing the inaccurate allegation that Brigitte Macron is supposedly a man.
They have initiated a case in America for defamation targeting a media personality who spread the claim.
The case states that the accusation is entirely inaccurate and points out that the name mentioned is actually her older brother.
Accused Individuals' Statements
Throughout the proceedings, several defendants rejected the allegations.
- An individual, serving as a local official, stated he "did not mean to cause harm" and described his posts as humorous.
- A well-known publicist stated that his posts were presented as "irony" and highlighted apprehension that the trial could endanger "the right to speak freely".
- An art gallery owner said he shared content because he felt it was a worldwide topic with "implications for the country".
Relationship Background
The false theory regarding Brigitte Macron's sex gained traction in part because their union has long been a point of interest on the internet.
She, who is 24 years older than the president, originally knew the future president when she was a educator at the institution he attended.
Their relationship developed through theatrical projects, and they wed in that year, following Brigitte Macron's marriage dissolution.
She concluded her testimony by stating that the false claims have created a "whirlwind that continues endlessly" for Brigitte Macron.