False Claims on Social Media Damaged Brigitte Macron's Well-being, Daughter Informs Judges
Brigitte Macron's daughter, her daughter, testified to a Paris court that inaccurate assertions circulating on the internet—among them the groundless claim that the French first lady was born a man—have negatively impacted her mother's quality of life.
She, a 41-year-old lawyer, served as a testifier in the court case of ten people facing charges for digital bullying targeting the first lady.
Effects on Daily Life
She explained that her mother now feels perpetual anxiety about her appearance, including her fashion choices to the way she carries herself, due to the concern that each snapshot could be misused to advance hateful attacks.
"The outcome is that she systematically must be cautious to her outfits, her body language, irrespective of her actions in everyday routine," she testified.
Accused Individuals and Charges
The defendants, aged 41 to 60, are facing charges for digital abuse. Some had modest digital reach, while others were better known.
All is alleged to have spreading defamatory content about Brigitte Macron's personal life. In certain cases, this included equating the age gap with her husband to hurtful comparisons.
If convicted, they could receive as much as 24 months in prison.
Consequences for Loved Ones
Auzière, a daughter from Brigitte Macron's first marriage, described how the inaccurate allegations have caused a "worsening of her health" and a "deterioration of her quality of life".
She said, "Not a day goes by when an individual fails to mention these claims to her."
She highlighted the impact on the family, such as the kids being exposed to false assertions like "She is deceptive" or "Your grandmother is your grandfather".
"She has no idea how to stop it," Auzière remarked. "She didn't run for election, she didn't pursue any of this, and she is continually facing this abuse."
Judicial Proceedings Background
The legal proceedings is part of an ongoing effort in a broader legal battle targeting the false claim that she is transgender.
The couple have initiated a legal action in the United States alleging slander involving a conservative podcaster who amplified the theory.
The lawsuit asserts that the allegation is completely false and notes that the person cited is really her older brother.
Trial Testimonies
In court, a few individuals rejected the accusations.
- One defendant, now a deputy mayor, claimed he "never intended to hurt anyone" and described his posts as ironic.
- Another defendant claimed that his social media shares were meant to be "humor" and voiced worry that the trial could threaten "the right to speak freely".
- Another individual testified he shared information because he felt it was an international matter with "impact on the nation".
Personal History
The inaccurate claim concerning Brigitte Macron's identity circulated to some extent because their marriage has frequently been a subject of discussion on the internet.
She, who is significantly older than the president, first met Emmanuel Macron when serving as a teacher at his secondary school.
The connection between them evolved through the school's theatre programme, and they married in the following year, after Brigitte Macron's separation.
Auzière finished her testimony by stating that the false claims have produced a "storm that never stops" for her mother.