Inaccurate Allegations on the Internet Negatively Impacted Brigitte Macron's Daily Life, Daughter Tells the Tribunal
Brigitte Macron's daughter, her daughter, informed a Paris court that inaccurate assertions spread through social media—among them the baseless theory that Brigitte Macron was born a man—have severely damaged her mother's daily existence.
Auzière, a legal professional, appeared as a testifier in the trial of a group of defendants facing charges for online harassment targeting Brigitte Macron.
Effects on Personal Routine
Auzière testified that Brigitte Macron now feels perpetual anxiety about her appearance, such as her fashion choices to her posture, due to the apprehension that any image may be misused to fuel malicious comments.
"The result is that she constantly needs to be careful to her clothing, her body language, irrespective of she's doing in day-to-day existence," Auzière testified.
Defendants and Allegations
The defendants, aged 41 to 60, are in court for online harassment. Some had limited online influence, while the rest were more visible.
Each one is alleged to have posting harmful statements about the first lady's gender and sexuality. In certain cases, this included equating her age difference with Emmanuel Macron to inappropriate terms.
If found responsible, they face up to two years in jail.
Family Impact
Auzière, a daughter from her mother's first marriage, explained how the false claims have resulted in a "decline of her well-being" and a "decline of her overall existence".
She explained, "Scarcely a day goes by when someone avoids discussing this to her."
She highlighted the effects on loved ones, including the kids hearing malicious statements like "She is not truthful" or "She is your grandfather".
"She does not know how to end it," Auzière remarked. "She didn't run for election, she has not sought anything, and she is permanently experiencing this abuse."
Legal Battle Context
The legal proceedings is the latest phase in a broader legal battle targeting the inaccurate allegation that she was transgender.
They have pursued a legal action in the United States alleging slander against a media personality who spread the allegation.
The lawsuit asserts that the claim is totally unfounded and points out that the name mentioned is actually her brother.
Accused Individuals' Statements
Throughout the proceedings, some of the accused denied the charges.
- One defendant, holding a public position, claimed he "did not mean to hurt anyone" and described his online statements as satirical.
- A fiction writer argued that his online activity were meant to be "irony" and voiced worry that the trial could threaten "free speech".
- An art gallery owner said he disseminated content as he believed it was an international matter with "consequences for France".
Relationship Background
The false theory regarding Brigitte Macron's gender gained traction to some extent because their union has often been a subject of discussion on the internet.
She, who is 24 years older than Emmanuel Macron, first met the future president when serving as a educator at his school.
Their bond developed through drama activities, and they married in 2007, subsequent to her marriage dissolution.
Auzière finished her statement by saying that the inaccurate allegations have produced a "whirlwind that does not cease" for the first lady.