Inaccurate Allegations Online Harmed Brigitte Macron's Daily Life, Daughter Informs Court
Brigitte Macron's daughter, her daughter, has told a judicial body in Paris that false claims circulating on the internet—such as the unfounded rumor that Brigitte Macron is transgender—have significantly harmed her mother's daily existence.
She, a attorney, appeared as a witness in the court case of ten people allegedly involved in internet-based abuse directed at Brigitte Macron.
Consequences on Daily Life
She testified that Brigitte Macron now is always concerned about how she looks, such as her fashion choices to the way she carries herself, because of the concern that any image may be misused to advance hateful attacks.
"The consequence is that she constantly has to pay attention to her clothing, her body language, no matter what her activities in her daily life," Auzière testified.
Accused Individuals and Allegations
Eight men and two women, aged 41 to 60, are on trial for digital abuse. Several had modest digital reach, while others were more visible.
Each one is accused of making malicious comments about Brigitte Macron's personal life. For some, this extended to comparing her age difference with Emmanuel Macron to offensive labels.
Upon being found guilty, they face up to two years in incarceration.
Family Impact
She, a daughter from her mother's first marriage, explained how the baseless rumors have caused a "worsening of her physical state" and a "worsening of her quality of life".
She explained, "Scarcely a day goes by when someone fails to mention this to her."
She highlighted the effects on loved ones, including the kids hearing malicious statements like "She is deceptive" or "Your grandmother is your grandfather".
"She does not know how to end it," Auzière testified. "She didn't run for election, she didn't pursue anything, and she is continually subjected to these assaults."
Court Case Background
The legal proceedings represents a recent development in a wider judicial fight targeting the baseless theory that she is supposedly transgender.
The Macrons have also filed a legal action in the United States alleging slander involving a political commentator who amplified the theory.
The lawsuit asserts that the claim is entirely inaccurate and identifies that the individual referenced is in fact Brigitte Macron's brother.
Accused Individuals' Statements
Throughout the proceedings, a few individuals rejected the accusations.
- A retired business owner, now a deputy mayor, claimed he "did not mean to inflict damage" and described his social media content as humorous.
- A well-known publicist claimed that his posts were meant to be "satire" and voiced worry that the case could endanger "freedom of expression".
- A third defendant testified he disseminated information since he thought it was an international matter with "impact on the nation".
Past Context
The baseless rumor concerning the first lady's sex spread to some extent because their union has often been a subject of discussion in digital spaces.
Brigitte Macron, aged 24 years older than the president, initially encountered Emmanuel Macron when serving as a instructor at his school.
Their relationship evolved through theatrical projects, and they married in that year, after her marriage dissolution.
Auzière finished her statement by stating that the false claims have caused a "whirlwind that continues endlessly" for Brigitte Macron.