False Allegations on Social Media Damaged Brigitte Macron's Quality of Life, Daughter Informs the Tribunal
Brigitte Macron's child, her daughter, informed a Paris court that misleading allegations spread through social media—such as the baseless theory that the French first lady was born a man—have significantly harmed her mother's daily existence.
Auzière, a attorney, appeared as a testifier in the trial of 10 individuals facing charges for digital bullying against the first lady.
Consequences on Daily Life
Auzière explained that her mother now is always concerned about her appearance, from her fashion choices to her posture, as a result of the concern that every photograph could be manipulated to advance negative campaigns.
"The consequence is that she constantly must be cautious to her outfits, her body language, no matter what her actions in day-to-day existence," Auzière told the court.
Those on Trial and Allegations
Eight men and two women, in that age range, are in court for internet-based bullying. A few had limited online influence, while several more were more prominent.
All is accused of spreading defamatory content about Brigitte Macron's personal life. For some, this extended to equating the age gap with the French president to hurtful comparisons.
Upon being found guilty, they may be sentenced to a maximum of two years in jail.
Consequences for Loved Ones
She, a family member from Brigitte Macron's first marriage, stated how the baseless rumors have resulted in a "decline of her well-being" and a "deterioration of her daily happiness".
She said, "Not a day passes when an individual fails to mention these claims to her."
She emphasized the effects on her relatives, including the younger generation hearing false assertions like "Brigitte is deceptive" or "Your grandmother is your grandfather".
"She is unsure what to do about it," Auzière stated. "She didn't run for election, she didn't pursue any of this, and she is constantly experiencing these assaults."
Judicial Proceedings Context
This case is the latest phase in a broader legal battle addressing the inaccurate allegation that she is supposedly male.
They have also filed a case in America over false statements involving a political commentator who amplified the theory.
The lawsuit states that the claim is entirely inaccurate and notes that the person cited is actually her brother.
Trial Testimonies
During the trial, several defendants rejected the allegations.
- A retired business owner, serving as a local official, asserted he "did not mean to cause harm" and described his posts as humorous.
- A fiction writer stated that his social media shares were presented as "humor" and highlighted apprehension that the legal action could threaten "the right to speak freely".
- Another individual explained he disseminated information as he believed it was a global issue with "impact on the nation".
Personal History
The inaccurate claim about the first lady's identity spread in part because their marriage has long been a topic of comment on the internet.
She, being two decades older than the president, originally knew the future president when working as a educator at his school.
The connection between them developed through drama activities, and they wed in that year, following her marriage dissolution.
She concluded her testimony by expressing that the inaccurate allegations have produced a "chaos that never stops" for Brigitte Macron.