False Assertions Online Harmed Brigitte Macron's Quality of Life, Child Testifies to Judges
The French first lady's child, her daughter, has told a judicial body in Paris that false claims spread through social media—including the groundless claim that she had a male birth identity—have negatively impacted her mother's quality of life.
Auzière, a attorney, appeared as a witness in the trial of 10 individuals accused of digital bullying directed at her mother.
Impact on Daily Life
She stated that the first lady now is always concerned about her demeanor, from her attire to her posture, because of the concern that each snapshot could be distorted to fuel negative campaigns.
"The outcome is that she systematically needs to be careful to her outfits, her body language, irrespective of her actions in her daily life," Auzière told the court.
Defendants and Accusations
Ten individuals, in that age range, are in court for internet-based bullying. Some had limited online influence, while others were more visible.
Each one is accused of posting harmful statements about the first lady's personal life. For some, this involved comparing the disparity in years with Emmanuel Macron to offensive labels.
If found responsible, they face up to two years in incarceration.
Effect on Relatives
Auzière, a daughter from Brigitte Macron's initial union, described how the inaccurate allegations have resulted in a "decline of her health" and a "worsening of her overall existence".
She said, "Scarcely a day passes when someone does not talk these claims to her."
Auzière emphasized the repercussions on loved ones, such as her grandchildren being exposed to false assertions like "Brigitte is not truthful" or "She is your grandfather".
"She does not know how to stop it," Auzière remarked. "She holds no office, she has not sought any of this, and she is constantly experiencing these attacks."
Legal Battle Background
The Paris trial is part of an ongoing effort in a broader legal battle addressing the false claim that the first lady was male.
The Macrons have also filed a case in America alleging slander involving a media personality who amplified the allegation.
The lawsuit asserts that the accusation is totally unfounded and identifies that the person cited is in fact her brother.
Defendants' Responses
Throughout the proceedings, a few individuals rejected the accusations.
- A retired business owner, holding a public position, asserted he "never intended to inflict damage" and described his online statements as humorous.
- A fiction writer stated that his social media shares were intended as "irony" and voiced worry that the case could endanger "freedom of expression".
- An art gallery owner said he disseminated content since he thought it was a worldwide topic with "consequences for France".
Personal History
The baseless rumor concerning the first lady's identity circulated to some extent because their union has long been a topic of comment in digital spaces.
She, aged significantly older than the president, initially encountered him when working as a educator at his secondary school.
Their relationship grew through the school's theatre programme, and they wed in that year, after her divorce.
Auzière finished her statement by expressing that the false claims have created a "whirlwind that does not cease" for Brigitte Macron.
