False Allegations Online Harmed Brigitte Macron's Well-being, Daughter Testifies to the Tribunal
The French first lady's child, her daughter, testified to a tribunal in Paris that misleading allegations online—such as the unfounded rumor that Brigitte Macron was born a man—have severely damaged her mother's quality of life.
Auzière, a 41-year-old lawyer, was called as a witness in the trial of ten people facing charges for online harassment against her mother.
Impact on Everyday Activities
Auzière stated that the first lady now worries constantly about her appearance, from her attire to how she stands, as a result of the apprehension that any image could be distorted to fuel hateful attacks.
"The outcome is that she constantly needs to be careful to her clothing, her posture, no matter what she's doing in everyday routine," she testified.
Defendants and Accusations
The defendants, in that age range, are facing charges for digital abuse. Several had a small social media following, while others were more prominent.
All is alleged to have posting harmful statements about the first lady's gender and sexuality. For some, this involved equating the disparity in years with Emmanuel Macron to hurtful comparisons.
If found responsible, they face a maximum of two years in prison.
Consequences for Loved Ones
Auzière, a family member from Brigitte Macron's initial union, described how the false claims have resulted in a "worsening of her well-being" and a "deterioration of her daily happiness".
She testified, "Scarcely a day passes when a person fails to mention this to her."
Auzière emphasized the repercussions on her relatives, including the kids being exposed to hurtful comments like "Brigitte is deceptive" or "Your grandmother is your grandfather".
"She does not know what to do about it," she remarked. "She holds no office, she never asked for any of this, and she is constantly facing this abuse."
Court Case Background
This case is part of an ongoing effort in a extended court case targeting the inaccurate allegation that Brigitte Macron is supposedly a man.
They have initiated a case in America alleging slander against a political commentator who promoted the allegation.
The legal filing clarifies that the claim is entirely inaccurate and notes that the person cited is in fact Brigitte Macron's older brother.
Accused Individuals' Statements
In court, several defendants disputed the accusations.
- One defendant, now a deputy mayor, asserted he "did not mean to cause harm" and referred to his posts as humorous.
- A well-known publicist argued that his social media shares were presented as "humor" and voiced worry that the trial could threaten "the right to speak freely".
- Another individual testified he shared posts since he thought it was a global issue with "impact on the nation".
Personal History
The inaccurate claim concerning Brigitte Macron's sex circulated to some extent because the Macrons' relationship has often been a subject of discussion online.
She, being two decades older than her husband, initially encountered him when working as a teacher at his school.
Their relationship developed through theatrical projects, and they entered into marriage in 2007, following her divorce.
She concluded her account by stating that the inaccurate allegations have caused a "storm that does not cease" for Brigitte Macron.