Misleading Allegations on Social Media Damaged Brigitte Macron's Well-being, Daughter Testifies to Judges
Brigitte Macron's child, her daughter, testified to a judicial body in Paris that false claims online—among them the unfounded rumor that she had a male birth identity—have negatively impacted her mother's daily existence.
She, a attorney, served as a witness in the legal proceedings of ten people accused of online harassment against Brigitte Macron.
Effects on Daily Life
Auzière stated that Brigitte Macron now feels perpetual anxiety about how she looks, such as her fashion choices to how she stands, because of the concern that any image may be manipulated to support negative campaigns.
"The outcome is that she always has to pay attention to what she wears, how she holds herself, irrespective of she's doing in everyday routine," she told the court.
Those on Trial and Accusations
Ten individuals, aged 41 to 60, are facing charges for digital abuse. Several had modest digital reach, while the rest were better known.
Every defendant is charged with posting harmful statements about Brigitte Macron's personal life. For some, this involved linking the disparity in years with Emmanuel Macron to inappropriate terms.
Upon being found guilty, they face up to two years in jail.
Effect on Relatives
Auzière, one of three children from her mother's initial union, stated how the baseless rumors have led to a "deterioration of her physical state" and a "worsening of her quality of life".
She said, "Not a day goes by when an individual fails to mention the issue to her."
Auzière highlighted the repercussions on the family, such as her grandchildren learning about false assertions like "Brigitte is not truthful" or "Your grandmother is actually a man".
"She does not know what to do about it," Auzière remarked. "She holds no office, she didn't pursue any of this, and she is permanently facing this abuse."
Judicial Proceedings History
The legal proceedings represents a recent development in a wider judicial fight against the baseless theory that Brigitte Macron is supposedly transgender.
They have also filed a legal action in the United States alleging slander involving a political commentator who promoted the claim.
The legal filing clarifies that the accusation is completely false and notes that the individual referenced is actually her sibling.
Trial Testimonies
In court, some of the accused rejected the accusations.
- An individual, now a deputy mayor, asserted he "had no purpose to hurt anyone" and referred to his online statements as ironic.
- Another defendant claimed that his social media shares were intended as "humor" and highlighted apprehension that the case could undermine "free speech".
- A third defendant explained he posted information as he believed it was an international matter with "implications for the country".
Past Context
The baseless rumor regarding the first lady's gender spread in part because their marriage has long been a subject of discussion online.
Brigitte Macron, being significantly older than her husband, initially encountered him when serving as a teacher at his school.
The connection between them evolved through the school's theatre programme, and they wed in that year, following Brigitte Macron's marriage dissolution.
Auzière concluded her account by expressing that the baseless rumors have produced a "whirlwind that continues endlessly" for her mother.