False Claims on the Internet Damaged Brigitte Macron's Well-being, Child Tells Judges
The French first lady's daughter, her daughter, has told a Paris court that misleading allegations spread through social media—such as the groundless claim that the French first lady is transgender—have significantly harmed her mother's daily existence.
Auzière, a legal professional, appeared as a witness in the legal proceedings of ten people facing charges for digital bullying against her mother.
Impact on Personal Routine
Auzière explained that her mother now feels perpetual anxiety about how she looks, such as her attire to her posture, because of the fear that any image may be manipulated to advance negative campaigns.
"The outcome is that she constantly needs to be careful to what she wears, how she holds herself, no matter what her activities in everyday routine," she told the court.
Defendants and Accusations
Eight men and two women, aged 41 to 60, are on trial for digital abuse. Some had a small social media following, while several more were more prominent.
Every defendant is accused of spreading defamatory content about Brigitte Macron's personal life. For some, this involved comparing her age difference with her husband to offensive labels.
If found responsible, they could receive up to two years in prison.
Consequences for Loved Ones
Auzière, a daughter from her mother's previous marriage, explained how the inaccurate allegations have led to a "decline of her well-being" and a "deterioration of her quality of life".
She testified, "Hardly a day passes when someone does not talk the issue to her."
Auzière emphasized the effects on her relatives, for example her grandchildren being exposed to malicious statements like "She is not truthful" or "Your grandmother is your grandfather".
"She is unsure how to end it," Auzière testified. "She didn't run for election, she never asked for public attention, and she is permanently subjected to these attacks."
Legal Battle Context
The legal proceedings is part of an ongoing effort in a extended court case addressing the inaccurate allegation that the first lady was transgender.
The Macrons have pursued a legal action in the United States for defamation targeting a conservative podcaster who spread the theory.
The case clarifies that the claim is completely false and identifies that the person cited is actually her older brother.
Defendants' Responses
Throughout the proceedings, some of the accused disputed the charges.
- One defendant, now a deputy mayor, asserted he "never intended to hurt anyone" and referred to his online statements as humorous.
- Another defendant claimed that his posts were intended as "humor" and expressed concern that the legal action could threaten "the right to speak freely".
- Another individual explained he disseminated information since he thought it was a global issue with "impact on the nation".
Personal History
The false theory concerning Brigitte Macron's identity circulated to some extent because the Macrons' relationship has frequently been a point of interest on the internet.
Brigitte Macron, who is two decades older than the president, originally knew Emmanuel Macron when serving as a teacher at the institution he attended.
Their relationship developed through drama activities, and they married in that year, after her marriage dissolution.
She wrapped up her statement by stating that the false claims have caused a "storm that never stops" for Brigitte Macron.