False Assertions on Social Media Damaged Brigitte Macron's Well-being, Child Testifies to the Tribunal
The French first lady's daughter, her daughter, informed a Paris court that false claims spread through social media—among them the unfounded rumor that the French first lady had a male birth identity—have significantly harmed her mother's daily existence.
Auzière, a legal professional, was called as a witness in the court case of ten people facing charges for online harassment directed at the first lady.
Consequences on Personal Routine
She explained that her mother now is always concerned about her appearance, from her attire to her posture, due to the fear that every photograph could be misused to advance hateful attacks.
"The result is that she constantly needs to be careful to her outfits, her body language, irrespective of her activities in everyday routine," she told the court.
Those on Trial and Allegations
The defendants, in that age range, are on trial for online harassment. A few had limited online influence, while several more were better known.
Each one is alleged to have spreading defamatory content about Brigitte Macron's personal life. In certain cases, this included comparing her age difference with the French president to hurtful comparisons.
If found responsible, they could receive as much as 24 months in prison.
Family Impact
She, one of three children from Brigitte Macron's previous marriage, explained how the baseless rumors have caused a "worsening of her physical state" and a "decline of her quality of life".
She said, "Scarcely a day passes when an individual avoids discussing this to her."
She emphasized the impact on the family, such as the kids hearing malicious statements like "Brigitte is lying" or "Your grandmother was born male".
"She has no idea how to stop it," Auzière stated. "She didn't run for election, she has not sought any of this, and she is continually experiencing this abuse."
Legal Battle History
The legal proceedings is part of an ongoing effort in a extended court case against the inaccurate allegation that Brigitte Macron is male.
The Macrons have pursued a case in America for defamation against a political commentator who amplified the claim.
The case clarifies that the accusation is completely false and notes that the individual referenced is actually Brigitte Macron's sibling.
Defendants' Responses
In court, some of the accused rejected the allegations.
- One defendant, serving as a local official, asserted he "had no purpose to cause harm" and referred to his online statements as ironic.
- A fiction writer stated that his posts were intended as "irony" and expressed concern that the case could threaten "freedom of expression".
- A third defendant explained he disseminated information because he felt it was an international matter with "impact on the nation".
Personal History
The false theory about the first lady's sex gained traction partly because the Macrons' relationship has frequently been a topic of comment online.
She, being two decades older than her husband, first met the future president when working as a educator at his secondary school.
Their bond evolved through the school's theatre programme, and they wed in the following year, following Brigitte Macron's divorce.
Auzière concluded her testimony by expressing that the baseless rumors have created a "storm that never stops" for Brigitte Macron.