Misleading Claims Online Harmed Brigitte Macron's Daily Life, Child Tells Court
Brigitte Macron's child, her daughter, has told a Paris court that false claims circulating on the internet—including the groundless claim that Brigitte Macron is transgender—have negatively impacted her mother's quality of life.
She, a 41-year-old lawyer, served as a testifier in the legal proceedings of 10 individuals accused of online harassment targeting her mother.
Effects on Daily Life
Auzière explained that the first lady now feels perpetual anxiety about her appearance, including her attire to the way she carries herself, because of the fear that any image might be misused to advance hateful attacks.
"The outcome is that she always needs to be careful to her outfits, her body language, no matter what her activities in day-to-day existence," she told the court.
Accused Individuals and Allegations
Eight men and two women, aged 41 to 60, are in court for online harassment. Several had limited online influence, while several more were better known.
All is alleged to have posting harmful statements about Brigitte Macron's identity. Among them, this involved linking the disparity in years with her husband to inappropriate terms.
Upon being found guilty, they may be sentenced to up to two years in incarceration.
Effect on Relatives
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 quality of life".
She explained, "Not a day goes by when an individual fails to mention this to her."
She pointed out the impact on her relatives, for example the kids being exposed to false assertions like "Brigitte is deceptive" or "Your grandmother is actually a man".
"She does not know how to end it," she stated. "She holds no office, she didn't pursue anything, and she is constantly facing this abuse."
Legal Battle History
The Paris trial is the latest phase in a extended court case targeting the inaccurate allegation that Brigitte Macron is supposedly a man.
The couple have also filed a legal action in the United States over false statements against a media personality who promoted the theory.
The case clarifies that the claim is completely false and notes that the name mentioned is really her brother.
Accused Individuals' Statements
Throughout the proceedings, several defendants rejected the allegations.
- A retired business owner, serving as a local official, asserted he "did not mean to cause harm" and referred to his posts as satirical.
- A well-known publicist claimed that his social media shares were intended as "irony" and highlighted apprehension that the legal action could endanger "the right to speak freely".
- A third defendant testified he disseminated content as he believed it was an international matter with "impact on the nation".
Relationship Background
The baseless rumor regarding the first lady's identity gained traction partly because their marriage has frequently been a subject of discussion on the internet.
She, who is significantly older than Emmanuel Macron, initially encountered him when she was a educator at his secondary school.
Their bond grew through the school's theatre programme, and they married in that year, following Brigitte Macron's marriage dissolution.
Auzière wrapped up her statement by saying that the baseless rumors have created a "whirlwind that does not cease" for her mother.