Misleading Claims on Social Media Harmed Brigitte Macron's Quality of Life, Daughter Informs the Tribunal
Brigitte Macron's child, her daughter, testified to a tribunal in Paris that inaccurate assertions spread through social media—among them the baseless theory that she is transgender—have negatively impacted her mother's daily existence.
Auzière, a legal professional, served as a witness in the legal proceedings of ten people facing charges for internet-based abuse against her mother.
Consequences on Personal Routine
She stated that her mother now feels perpetual anxiety about her demeanor, from the clothes she wears to her posture, because of the concern that any image may be misused to support malicious comments.
"The consequence is that she always must be cautious to her clothing, how she holds herself, regardless of her activities in her daily life," Auzière told the court.
Accused Individuals and Charges
Ten individuals, between 41 and 60 years old, are facing charges for online harassment. Some had limited online influence, while the rest were better known.
All is charged with posting harmful statements about the first lady's identity. In certain cases, this included comparing the disparity in years with her husband to hurtful comparisons.
If convicted, they face a maximum of two years in prison.
Family Impact
Auzière, a daughter from her mother's first marriage, described how the inaccurate allegations have led to a "decline of her health" and a "worsening of her overall existence".
She said, "Hardly a day goes by when a person does not talk the issue to her."
She highlighted the effects on her relatives, for example the younger generation learning about false assertions like "Your grandmother is deceptive" or "She is actually a man".
"She has no idea how to stop it," she stated. "She's not elected, she didn't pursue any of this, and she is permanently facing these assaults."
Court Case History
The Paris trial is part of an ongoing effort in a broader legal battle targeting the inaccurate allegation that she was male.
The couple have pursued a legal action in the United States for defamation against a political commentator who promoted the theory.
The lawsuit states that the accusation is completely false and notes that the person cited is actually her older brother.
Accused Individuals' Statements
In court, a few individuals rejected the accusations.
- An individual, now a deputy mayor, claimed he "did not mean to inflict damage" and described his online statements as humorous.
- A fiction writer claimed that his online activity were meant to be "humor" and expressed concern that the legal action could endanger "the right to speak freely".
- An art gallery owner testified he shared information since he thought it was a global issue with "consequences for France".
Past Context
The false theory concerning Brigitte Macron's gender gained traction in part because their marriage has long been a subject of discussion online.
She, being 24 years older than her husband, first met him when working as a teacher at his school.
Their bond grew through the school's theatre programme, and they wed in 2007, following Brigitte Macron's divorce.
Auzière concluded her account by stating that the baseless rumors have produced a "storm that does not cease" for her mother.