Misleading Allegations Online Damaged Brigitte Macron's Daily Life, Daughter Tells Judges
Brigitte Macron's child, her daughter, informed a judicial body in Paris that inaccurate assertions online—including the unfounded rumor that Brigitte Macron was born a man—have severely damaged her mother's personal well-being.
Auzière, a legal professional, appeared as a witness in the legal proceedings of a group of defendants allegedly involved in online harassment against the first lady.
Effects on Everyday Activities
Auzière stated that her mother now is always concerned about her demeanor, including the clothes she wears to the way she carries herself, due to the concern that each snapshot could be manipulated to advance hateful attacks.
"The outcome is that she always must be cautious to her clothing, her body language, no matter what her activities in everyday routine," she informed the judges.
Defendants and Charges
The defendants, between 41 and 60 years old, are on trial for digital abuse. Several had limited online influence, while several more were better known.
All is accused of spreading defamatory content about Brigitte Macron's personal life. Among them, this extended to equating the disparity in years with Emmanuel Macron to inappropriate terms.
If found responsible, they could receive up to two years in prison.
Family Impact
She, a family member from Brigitte Macron's initial union, stated how the baseless rumors have led to a "decline of her well-being" and a "decline of her overall existence".
She testified, "Scarcely a day passes when a person fails to mention this to her."
She emphasized the repercussions on loved ones, for example her grandchildren hearing hurtful comments like "Your grandmother is deceptive" or "She was born male".
"She has no idea what to do about it," she stated. "She didn't run for election, she didn't pursue anything, and she is permanently facing this abuse."
Legal Battle Context
The legal proceedings is the latest phase in a broader legal battle targeting the inaccurate allegation that Brigitte Macron is a man.
The couple have also filed a legal action in the United States over false statements against a conservative podcaster who amplified the allegation.
The lawsuit clarifies that the accusation is totally unfounded and notes that the person cited is in fact Brigitte Macron's brother.
Accused Individuals' Statements
Throughout the proceedings, some of the accused disputed the accusations.
- A retired business owner, now a deputy mayor, claimed he "never intended to cause harm" and described his social media content as humorous.
- A fiction writer argued that his posts were meant to be "satire" and expressed concern that the trial could threaten "freedom of expression".
- A third defendant said he posted posts since he thought it was a global issue with "consequences for France".
Relationship Background
The false theory about Brigitte Macron's sex gained traction to some extent because the Macrons' relationship has long been a point of interest online.
The first lady, who is two decades older than Emmanuel Macron, initially encountered Emmanuel Macron when working as a instructor at his secondary school.
The connection between them grew through drama activities, and they wed in the following year, subsequent to her separation.
Auzière finished her account by expressing that the false claims have caused a "chaos that does not cease" for Brigitte Macron.