False Allegations on the Internet Harmed Brigitte Macron's Daily Life, Child Testifies to Court

The French first lady's child, her daughter, informed a judicial body in Paris that false claims online—such as the baseless theory that the French first lady is transgender—have significantly harmed her mother's daily existence.

Auzière, a 41-year-old lawyer, appeared as a witness in the court case of a group of defendants accused of online harassment targeting Brigitte Macron.

Effects on Personal Routine

She stated that the first lady now feels perpetual anxiety about her demeanor, such as her fashion choices to how she stands, as a result of the fear that any image might be misused to support negative campaigns.

"The consequence is that she systematically needs to be careful to her clothing, how she holds herself, irrespective of her actions in everyday routine," Auzière testified.

Accused Individuals and Charges

Eight men and two women, in that age range, are in court for online harassment. Several had limited online influence, while the rest were more prominent.

Each one is accused of spreading defamatory content about Brigitte Macron's identity. In certain cases, this extended to linking the age gap with her husband to inappropriate terms.

If convicted, they may be sentenced to a maximum of two years in jail.

Effect on Relatives

Auzière, a daughter from Brigitte Macron's previous marriage, stated how the inaccurate allegations have led to a "deterioration of her well-being" and a "decline of her overall existence".

She said, "Hardly a day passes when an individual does not talk this to her."

She emphasized the impact on loved ones, including the younger generation hearing malicious statements like "Your grandmother is lying" or "She was born male".

"She does not know what to do about it," Auzière stated. "She's not elected, she never asked for anything, and she is continually experiencing these attacks."

Legal Battle History

The Paris trial is part of an ongoing effort in a wider judicial fight addressing the false claim that the first lady is supposedly a man.

The couple have also filed a US lawsuit over false statements against a conservative podcaster who spread the theory.

The legal filing states that the claim is completely false and identifies that the individual referenced is actually her older brother.

Trial Testimonies

Throughout the proceedings, a few individuals disputed the allegations.

  • One defendant, holding a public position, stated he "never intended to cause harm" and referred to his posts as ironic.
  • A well-known publicist argued that his social media shares were presented as "satire" and expressed concern that the case could undermine "the right to speak freely".
  • Another individual said he disseminated information as he believed it was a worldwide topic with "impact on the nation".

Personal History

The inaccurate claim about the first lady's gender circulated to some extent because the Macrons' relationship has long been a point of interest on the internet.

She, aged 24 years older than the president, first met the future president when she was a educator at his school.

The connection between them evolved through the school's theatre programme, and they wed in 2007, subsequent to Brigitte Macron's separation.

She concluded her account by expressing that the baseless rumors have created a "whirlwind that never stops" for her mother.

Ryan Sanchez
Ryan Sanchez

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