Misleading Assertions Online Harmed Brigitte Macron's Quality of Life, Child Testifies to the Tribunal
The French first lady's daughter, her daughter, has told a tribunal in Paris that inaccurate assertions circulating on the internet—among them the unfounded rumor that the French first lady was born a man—have severely damaged her mother's personal well-being.
She, a 41-year-old lawyer, served as a testifier in the legal proceedings of ten people allegedly involved in internet-based abuse against her mother.
Effects on Personal Routine
She stated that the first lady now worries constantly about her demeanor, from her fashion choices to her posture, as a result of the concern that every photograph might be manipulated to support malicious comments.
"The result is that she always needs to be careful to her clothing, how she holds herself, irrespective of her actions in her daily life," she testified.
Defendants and Charges
Eight men and two women, in that age range, are on trial for internet-based bullying. A few had limited online influence, while the rest were more prominent.
All is alleged to have spreading defamatory content about Brigitte Macron's identity. For some, this involved equating her age difference with her husband to hurtful comparisons.
If found responsible, they face as much as 24 months in jail.
Family Impact
She, a daughter from Brigitte Macron's previous marriage, stated how the inaccurate allegations have resulted in a "decline of her well-being" and a "worsening of her overall existence".
She said, "Hardly a day passes when someone fails to mention the issue to her."
Auzière emphasized the effects on the family, including the younger generation hearing false assertions like "She is deceptive" or "Your grandmother is actually a man".
"She is unsure how to stop it," she testified. "She didn't run for election, she never asked for public attention, and she is continually subjected to these attacks."
Legal Battle Context
The Paris trial is the latest phase in a extended court case targeting the baseless theory that the first lady is supposedly a man.
The couple have also filed a legal action in the United States over false statements targeting a political commentator who promoted the theory.
The case clarifies that the accusation is totally unfounded and notes that the name mentioned is actually Brigitte Macron's brother.
Defendants' Responses
During the trial, several defendants denied the charges.
- An individual, now a deputy mayor, claimed he "did not mean to cause harm" and referred to his posts as ironic.
- A well-known publicist claimed that his posts were intended as "satire" and expressed concern that the case could threaten "the right to speak freely".
- An art gallery owner explained he disseminated posts because he felt it was a global issue with "implications for the country".
Past Context
The false theory concerning the first lady's identity spread partly because their marriage has long been a topic of comment online.
She, being significantly older than her husband, first met the future president when serving as a teacher at his school.
Their bond grew through drama activities, and they entered into marriage in 2007, following Brigitte Macron's divorce.
She concluded her account by expressing that the baseless rumors have created a "whirlwind that continues endlessly" for her mother.