Inaccurate Assertions on Social Media Negatively Impacted Brigitte Macron's Daily Life, Daughter Tells the Tribunal
Brigitte Macron's child, her daughter, informed a Paris court that false claims circulating on the internet—including the unfounded rumor that the French first lady had a male birth identity—have negatively impacted her mother's daily existence.
Auzière, a 41-year-old lawyer, served as a testifier in the court case of a group of defendants allegedly involved in internet-based abuse directed at Brigitte Macron.
Impact on Everyday Activities
Auzière testified that her mother now worries constantly about her demeanor, such as her attire to how she stands, because of the apprehension that every photograph could be manipulated to fuel negative campaigns.
"The outcome is that she always needs to be careful to what she wears, her posture, irrespective of her activities in day-to-day existence," Auzière told the court.
Defendants and Allegations
Ten individuals, between 41 and 60 years old, are facing charges for digital abuse. Some had limited online influence, while others were better known.
All is alleged to have making malicious comments about Brigitte Macron's gender and sexuality. For some, this included equating her age difference with the French president to hurtful comparisons.
If found responsible, they face up to two years in incarceration.
Effect on Relatives
She, a family member from Brigitte Macron's initial union, stated how the inaccurate allegations have resulted in a "decline of her well-being" and a "deterioration of her daily happiness".
She explained, "Not a day goes by when someone does not talk the issue to her."
Auzière pointed out the effects on loved ones, such as the kids hearing malicious statements like "She is lying" or "She was born male".
"She has no idea what to do about it," Auzière testified. "She didn't run for election, she didn't pursue any of this, and she is constantly facing these attacks."
Judicial Proceedings Context
The Paris trial represents a recent development in a wider judicial fight targeting the inaccurate allegation that Brigitte Macron is a man.
The Macrons have pursued a case in America for defamation involving a conservative podcaster who promoted the theory.
The legal filing clarifies that the accusation is entirely inaccurate and identifies that the individual referenced is actually her older brother.
Accused Individuals' Statements
During the trial, some of the accused rejected the charges.
- A retired business owner, serving as a local official, stated he "had no purpose to hurt anyone" and described his posts as humorous.
- Another defendant stated that his social media shares were presented as "irony" and expressed concern that the case could threaten "freedom of expression".
- An art gallery owner explained he posted posts as he believed it was an international matter with "implications for the country".
Past Context
The false theory about the first lady's identity circulated in part because the Macrons' relationship has often been a subject of discussion on the internet.
The first lady, being 24 years older than the president, initially encountered the future president when working as a educator at his school.
Their relationship evolved through theatrical projects, and they entered into marriage in the following year, subsequent to Brigitte Macron's divorce.
She concluded her testimony by stating that the inaccurate allegations have caused a "chaos that does not cease" for her mother.