False Allegations on the Internet Damaged Brigitte Macron's Daily Life, Child Testifies to Court
The French first lady's child, her daughter, informed a Paris court that inaccurate assertions circulating on the internet—among them the unfounded rumor that Brigitte Macron is transgender—have severely damaged her mother's daily existence.
Auzière, a 41-year-old lawyer, was called as a witness in the court case of a group of defendants allegedly involved in online harassment targeting the first lady.
Consequences on Daily Life
Auzière stated that Brigitte Macron now is always concerned about her appearance, including her fashion choices to the way she carries herself, because of the concern that each snapshot could be misused to support hateful attacks.
"The outcome is that she systematically needs to be careful to her outfits, her posture, no matter what her activities in day-to-day existence," Auzière informed the judges.
Defendants and Allegations
The defendants, between 41 and 60 years old, are on trial for internet-based bullying. Several had limited online influence, while several more were better known.
Every defendant is alleged to have making malicious comments about the first lady's personal life. For some, this included linking the age gap with Emmanuel Macron to hurtful comparisons.
If convicted, they could receive a maximum of two years in prison.
Effect on Relatives
Auzière, a family member from Brigitte Macron's initial union, stated how the inaccurate allegations have led to a "deterioration of her well-being" and a "decline of her quality of life".
She explained, "Hardly a day goes by when an individual does not talk these claims to her."
She highlighted the effects on loved ones, such as the kids being exposed to false assertions like "She is deceptive" or "Your grandmother was born male".
"She has no idea how to end it," Auzière testified. "She didn't run for election, she has not sought any of this, and she is constantly experiencing these assaults."
Judicial Proceedings History
This case is the latest phase in a extended court case against the inaccurate allegation that Brigitte Macron is a man.
They have initiated a case in America alleging slander involving a media personality who spread the claim.
The case asserts that the allegation is entirely inaccurate and notes that the name mentioned is actually Brigitte Macron's sibling.
Trial Testimonies
During the trial, several defendants denied the charges.
- One defendant, now a deputy mayor, stated he "had no purpose to hurt anyone" and referred to his online statements as satirical.
- A well-known publicist stated that his social media shares were presented as "irony" and voiced worry that the case could undermine "free speech".
- An art gallery owner testified he posted posts because he felt it was a worldwide topic with "consequences for France".
Relationship Background
The baseless rumor about Brigitte Macron's sex spread to some extent because their marriage has often been a topic of comment online.
The first lady, being two decades older than the president, originally knew him when working as a teacher at his secondary school.
Their relationship evolved through drama activities, and they wed in 2007, subsequent to Brigitte Macron's separation.
She finished her statement by saying that the inaccurate allegations have caused a "chaos that never stops" for Brigitte Macron.