Inaccurate Assertions on Social Media Negatively Impacted Brigitte Macron's Daily Life, Child Testifies to the Tribunal
Brigitte Macron's daughter, her daughter, has told a Paris court that misleading allegations circulating on the internet—among them the unfounded rumor that she is transgender—have negatively impacted her mother's quality of life.
She, a attorney, served as a testifier in the court case of 10 individuals allegedly involved in online harassment directed at the first lady.
Consequences on Daily Life
She explained that her mother now is always concerned about her appearance, including the clothes she wears to how she stands, as a result of the apprehension that each snapshot may be distorted to advance hateful attacks.
"The consequence is that she systematically needs to be careful to her outfits, her posture, irrespective of her activities in everyday routine," Auzière informed the judges.
Those on Trial and Accusations
The defendants, in that age range, are in court for online harassment. A few had a small social media following, while several more were more visible.
Every defendant is charged with spreading defamatory content about the first lady's gender and sexuality. Among them, this included linking the age gap with her husband to offensive labels.
Upon being found guilty, they could receive a maximum of two years in prison.
Effect on Relatives
She, one of three children from her mother's previous marriage, explained how the baseless rumors have caused a "decline of her well-being" and a "worsening of her daily happiness".
She said, "Scarcely a day passes when a person fails to mention the issue to her."
Auzière pointed out the impact on her relatives, for example the younger generation learning about hurtful comments like "Your grandmother is lying" or "She is actually a man".
"She has no idea what to do about it," Auzière remarked. "She didn't run for election, she never asked for public attention, and she is continually facing these attacks."
Legal Battle Context
The legal proceedings is the latest phase in a wider judicial fight against the inaccurate allegation that Brigitte Macron is supposedly male.
The Macrons have pursued a legal action in the United States over false statements targeting a media personality who amplified the theory.
The case states that the accusation is totally unfounded and notes that the name mentioned is actually her older brother.
Defendants' Responses
Throughout the proceedings, some of the accused disputed the charges.
- A retired business owner, serving as a local official, claimed he "did not mean to cause harm" and described his social media content as humorous.
- A fiction writer claimed that his online activity were intended as "irony" and expressed concern that the trial could threaten "free speech".
- Another individual explained he posted information as he believed it was a global issue with "consequences for France".
Relationship Background
The inaccurate claim concerning Brigitte Macron's gender gained traction to some extent because their union has long been a subject of discussion online.
She, aged 24 years older than the president, initially encountered the future president when she was a educator at the institution he attended.
The connection between them developed through the school's theatre programme, and they entered into marriage in the following year, subsequent to Brigitte Macron's separation.
Auzière wrapped up her statement by stating that the inaccurate allegations have caused a "chaos that does not cease" for her mother.