False Claims on Social Media Damaged Brigitte Macron's Well-being, Child Testifies to Court
Brigitte Macron's child, her daughter, informed a judicial body in Paris that inaccurate assertions circulating on the internet—including the baseless theory that she had a male birth identity—have severely damaged her mother's daily existence.
She, a attorney, was called as a witness in the legal proceedings of a group of defendants accused of internet-based abuse against her mother.
Effects on Everyday Activities
She testified that her mother now is always concerned about her appearance, from her fashion choices to her posture, as a result of the concern that each snapshot might be distorted to advance hateful attacks.
"The outcome is that she constantly has to pay attention to what she wears, her body language, regardless of her activities in day-to-day existence," she testified.
Those on Trial and Charges
Eight men and two women, between 41 and 60 years old, are on trial for online harassment. A few had a small social media following, while the rest were better known.
All is charged with posting harmful statements about the first lady's personal life. Among them, this involved equating the age gap with her husband to inappropriate terms.
If convicted, they may be sentenced to up to two years in jail.
Consequences for Loved Ones
Auzière, one of three children from Brigitte Macron's initial union, described how the inaccurate allegations have caused a "worsening of her well-being" and a "worsening of her quality of life".
She testified, "Not a day passes when an individual does not talk the issue to her."
Auzière highlighted the impact on the family, including the younger generation learning about malicious statements like "Your grandmother is deceptive" or "She is actually a man".
"She is unsure how to stop it," she remarked. "She's not elected, she didn't pursue any of this, and she is continually facing these attacks."
Court Case Background
The legal proceedings is part of an ongoing effort in a broader legal battle against the baseless theory that Brigitte Macron was transgender.
The Macrons have pursued a US lawsuit over false statements against a media personality who amplified the theory.
The legal filing asserts that the allegation is totally unfounded and notes that the individual referenced is actually her older brother.
Accused Individuals' Statements
Throughout the proceedings, several defendants rejected the allegations.
- A retired business owner, serving as a local official, claimed he "never intended to cause harm" and referred to his social media content as humorous.
- Another defendant stated that his posts were intended as "irony" and expressed concern that the trial could undermine "freedom of expression".
- Another individual explained he shared information since he thought it was an international matter with "impact on the nation".
Relationship Background
The baseless rumor regarding Brigitte Macron's identity gained traction to some extent because their marriage has long been a subject of discussion online.
Brigitte Macron, being two decades older than her husband, first met Emmanuel Macron when serving as a teacher at his school.
The connection between them developed through drama activities, and they married in 2007, after Brigitte Macron's marriage dissolution.
Auzière concluded her statement by saying that the inaccurate allegations have produced a "chaos that never stops" for the first lady.