Inaccurate Assertions Online Harmed Brigitte Macron's Well-being, Child Informs Court
The French first lady's daughter, her daughter, testified to a tribunal in Paris that inaccurate assertions spread through social media—such as the baseless theory that the French first lady had a male birth identity—have significantly harmed her mother's quality of life.
Auzière, a 41-year-old lawyer, served as a witness in the court case of ten people accused of digital bullying targeting her mother.
Consequences on Personal Routine
She stated that her mother now is always concerned about how she looks, from the clothes she wears to how she stands, because of the concern that any image could be distorted to support negative campaigns.
"The outcome is that she constantly must be cautious to what she wears, her body language, irrespective of she's doing in her daily life," Auzière told the court.
Defendants and Allegations
Eight men and two women, in that age range, are facing charges for internet-based bullying. Some had limited online influence, while the rest were better known.
All is alleged to have spreading defamatory content about Brigitte Macron's identity. Among them, this included comparing the age gap with the French president to hurtful comparisons.
If found responsible, they face as much as 24 months in jail.
Effect on Relatives
She, a family member from her mother's initial union, stated how the baseless rumors have resulted in a "worsening of her well-being" and a "deterioration of her quality of life".
She testified, "Hardly a day passes when someone fails to mention the issue to her."
Auzière pointed out the effects on loved ones, including the kids hearing hurtful comments like "Brigitte is not truthful" or "Your grandmother is actually a man".
"She has no idea what to do about it," Auzière stated. "She's not elected, she never asked for public attention, and she is continually experiencing these attacks."
Judicial Proceedings Context
This case is part of an ongoing effort in a wider judicial fight targeting the inaccurate allegation that the first lady is supposedly a man.
They have also filed a case in America alleging slander involving a media personality who spread the theory.
The lawsuit asserts that the allegation is completely false and points out that the person cited is actually her brother.
Defendants' Responses
During the trial, some of the accused disputed the accusations.
- One defendant, holding a public position, claimed he "never intended to cause harm" and referred to his social media content as satirical.
- A fiction writer claimed that his posts were meant to be "irony" and expressed concern that the case could endanger "the right to speak freely".
- A third defendant explained he disseminated information because he felt it was a global issue with "implications for the country".
Personal History
The inaccurate claim regarding the first lady's sex circulated in part because their union has frequently been a subject of discussion in digital spaces.
She, aged 24 years older than her husband, originally knew Emmanuel Macron when serving as a educator at the institution he attended.
The connection between them evolved through the school's theatre programme, and they married in 2007, following her marriage dissolution.
Auzière wrapped up her account by stating that the false claims have produced a "storm that continues endlessly" for the first lady.