Misleading Allegations Online Harmed Brigitte Macron's Daily Life, Daughter Testifies to Judges
The French first lady's child, her daughter, informed a Paris court that misleading allegations circulating on the internet—among them the baseless theory that she had a male birth identity—have significantly harmed her mother's daily existence.
Auzière, a attorney, appeared as a witness in the court case of 10 individuals accused of internet-based abuse targeting Brigitte Macron.
Consequences on Everyday Activities
She testified that her mother now is always concerned about her appearance, from her attire to her posture, as a result of the concern that every photograph could be misused to advance malicious comments.
"The outcome is that she systematically needs to be careful to what she wears, her body language, regardless of her actions in day-to-day existence," she informed the judges.
Those on Trial and Allegations
The defendants, between 41 and 60 years old, are in court for internet-based bullying. Several had limited online influence, while others were more prominent.
All is accused of spreading defamatory content about the first lady's gender and sexuality. For some, this involved comparing the age gap with her husband to offensive labels.
If found responsible, they could receive up to two years in jail.
Effect on Relatives
She, a daughter from Brigitte Macron's previous marriage, explained how the baseless rumors have led to a "deterioration of her physical state" and a "deterioration of her overall existence".
She explained, "Scarcely a day passes when an individual does not talk these claims to her."
She highlighted the impact on loved ones, for example her grandchildren learning about malicious statements like "She is deceptive" or "Your grandmother was born male".
"She has no idea how to end it," she remarked. "She's not elected, she has not sought public attention, and she is permanently facing these assaults."
Legal Battle Context
The legal proceedings is the latest phase in a extended court case targeting the baseless theory that Brigitte Macron is supposedly a man.
The Macrons have initiated a US lawsuit alleging slander against a conservative podcaster who spread the theory.
The legal filing asserts that the accusation is entirely inaccurate and notes that the name mentioned is actually her brother.
Accused Individuals' Statements
Throughout the proceedings, some of the accused rejected the charges.
- An individual, serving as a local official, stated he "never intended to cause harm" and referred to his posts as ironic.
- Another defendant argued that his posts were presented as "satire" and expressed concern that the trial could threaten "the right to speak freely".
- A third defendant testified he shared information as he believed it was a worldwide topic with "consequences for France".
Past Context
The false theory concerning Brigitte Macron's identity gained traction partly because their union has long been a subject of discussion online.
Brigitte Macron, being two decades older than Emmanuel Macron, first met Emmanuel Macron when serving as a instructor at the institution he attended.
The connection between them evolved through the school's theatre programme, and they married in 2007, after her separation.
She concluded her statement by saying that the baseless rumors have produced a "chaos that does not cease" for her mother.