Inaccurate Allegations on Social Media Negatively Impacted Brigitte Macron's Well-being, Daughter Tells Court

Brigitte Macron's daughter, her daughter, informed a tribunal in Paris that false claims online—such as the unfounded rumor that the French first lady is transgender—have negatively impacted her mother's quality of life.

Auzière, a attorney, was called as a testifier in the court case of a group of defendants facing charges for digital bullying directed at Brigitte Macron.

Consequences on Daily Life

She testified that the first lady now feels perpetual anxiety about her appearance, such as her fashion choices to her posture, because of the concern that each snapshot might be distorted to fuel negative campaigns.

"The result is that she always must be cautious to her outfits, her body language, regardless of her activities in everyday routine," Auzière told the court.

Those on Trial and Charges

Eight men and two women, in that age range, are on trial for online harassment. Some had modest digital reach, while others were better known.

Each one is accused of making malicious comments about Brigitte Macron's identity. In certain cases, this involved comparing the disparity in years with the French president to inappropriate terms.

Upon being found guilty, they could receive a maximum of two years in prison.

Consequences for Loved Ones

Auzière, a family member from her mother's first marriage, described how the false claims have caused a "deterioration of her well-being" and a "deterioration of her overall existence".

She explained, "Not a day passes when an individual avoids discussing this to her."

Auzière emphasized the repercussions on the family, for example her grandchildren hearing malicious statements like "Brigitte is deceptive" or "She is actually a man".

"She has no idea how to stop it," she testified. "She didn't run for election, she didn't pursue anything, and she is permanently subjected to these attacks."

Legal Battle Background

This case represents a recent development in a extended court case targeting the false claim that she is supposedly transgender.

They have initiated a US lawsuit alleging slander involving a political commentator who amplified the theory.

The case asserts that the claim is completely false and identifies that the person cited is actually her brother.

Accused Individuals' Statements

In court, a few individuals rejected the accusations.

• An individual, now a deputy mayor, claimed he "never intended to hurt anyone" and referred to his online statements as ironic.
• Another defendant claimed that his online activity were presented as "irony" and expressed concern that the trial could undermine "free speech".
• A third defendant explained he shared information because he felt it was a global issue with "impact on the nation".

Relationship Background

The inaccurate claim regarding Brigitte Macron's sex circulated partly because their marriage has frequently been a subject of discussion on the internet.

Brigitte Macron, who is significantly older than Emmanuel Macron, initially encountered Emmanuel Macron when working as a instructor at his secondary school.

Their bond grew through the school's theatre programme, and they married in that year, following her separation.

Auzière wrapped up her testimony by saying that the false claims have caused a "chaos that continues endlessly" for Brigitte Macron.