Misleading Assertions on the Internet Negatively Impacted Brigitte Macron's Quality of Life, Child Tells the Tribunal
Brigitte Macron's child, her daughter, informed a tribunal in Paris that misleading allegations online—among them the groundless claim that Brigitte Macron is transgender—have severely damaged her mother's quality of life.
Auzière, a legal professional, appeared as a witness in the trial of ten people facing charges for online harassment against Brigitte Macron.
Effects on Daily Life
Auzière explained that the first lady now is always concerned about how she looks, such as her attire to how she stands, because of the fear that each snapshot could be manipulated to fuel malicious comments.
"The consequence is that she constantly must be cautious to her clothing, her posture, regardless of her actions in everyday routine," Auzière testified.
Accused Individuals and Charges
Ten individuals, aged 41 to 60, are on trial for internet-based bullying. Some had modest digital reach, while several more were better known.
Every defendant is charged with spreading defamatory content about the first lady's gender and sexuality. For some, this extended to comparing the disparity in years with Emmanuel Macron to offensive labels.
Upon being found guilty, they may be sentenced to up to two years in incarceration.
Effect on Relatives
She, a family member from her mother's previous marriage, described how the false claims have caused a "deterioration of her well-being" and a "worsening of her overall existence".
She said, "Not a day goes by when someone fails to mention this to her."
Auzière pointed out the repercussions on loved ones, including the younger generation being exposed to false assertions like "Your grandmother is lying" or "Your grandmother is your grandfather".
"She is unsure how to stop it," she testified. "She's not elected, she never asked for public attention, and she is permanently experiencing this abuse."
Court Case History
The legal proceedings is part of an ongoing effort in a wider judicial fight targeting the baseless theory that she is male.
The couple have initiated a US lawsuit over false statements targeting a conservative podcaster who amplified the allegation.
The lawsuit clarifies that the claim is completely false and identifies that the name mentioned is really Brigitte Macron's sibling.
Accused Individuals' Statements
In court, some of the accused disputed the allegations.
- One defendant, serving as a local official, asserted he "did not mean to hurt anyone" and referred to his posts as satirical.
- A well-known publicist stated that his online activity were meant to be "humor" and expressed concern that the case could endanger "free speech".
- A third defendant testified he disseminated content as he believed it was a worldwide topic with "implications for the country".
Relationship Background
The inaccurate claim about the first lady's gender gained traction to some extent because their marriage has often been a point of interest online.
The first lady, aged 24 years older than her husband, originally knew Emmanuel Macron when she was a instructor at his school.
Their bond developed through theatrical projects, and they married in that year, after her divorce.
Auzière concluded her statement by expressing that the baseless rumors have produced a "storm that never stops" for her mother.