Misleading Allegations on Social Media Harmed Brigitte Macron's Well-being, Daughter Tells Judges
Brigitte Macron's daughter, her daughter, testified to a judicial body in Paris that false claims spread through social media—such as the groundless claim that Brigitte Macron was born a man—have significantly harmed her mother's personal well-being.
She, a 41-year-old lawyer, appeared as a testifier in the legal proceedings of a group of defendants facing charges for online harassment directed at her mother.
Consequences on Daily Life
Auzière stated that her mother now is always concerned about her appearance, such as her fashion choices to how she stands, due to the fear that any image could be misused to advance hateful attacks.
"The result is that she systematically needs to be careful to her outfits, her posture, no matter what her activities in everyday routine," she told the court.
Defendants and Charges
Ten individuals, in that age range, are facing charges for digital abuse. Several had modest digital reach, while the rest were more visible.
All is charged with spreading defamatory content about Brigitte Macron's personal life. Among them, this involved linking the disparity in years with Emmanuel Macron to inappropriate terms.
Upon being found guilty, they may be sentenced to a maximum of two years in prison.
Effect on Relatives
Auzière, a family member from her mother's first marriage, explained how the baseless rumors have resulted in a "worsening of her physical state" and a "deterioration of her daily happiness".
She said, "Hardly a day goes by when an individual avoids discussing this to her."
Auzière pointed out the impact on loved ones, including the younger generation learning about malicious statements like "She is lying" or "She is your grandfather".
"She is unsure what to do about it," Auzière stated. "She didn't run for election, she didn't pursue anything, and she is permanently facing this abuse."
Legal Battle Context
The legal proceedings is part of an ongoing effort in a broader legal battle targeting the false claim that the first lady is supposedly transgender.
The Macrons have pursued a US lawsuit alleging slander against a political commentator who promoted the claim.
The case asserts that the claim is totally unfounded and notes that the individual referenced is actually Brigitte Macron's older brother.
Defendants' Responses
In court, a few individuals denied the allegations.
- An individual, now a deputy mayor, asserted he "had no purpose to inflict damage" and referred to his online statements as humorous.
- A well-known publicist stated that his posts were intended as "satire" and voiced worry that the case could undermine "free speech".
- A third defendant explained he shared content since he thought it was a global issue with "consequences for France".
Personal History
The inaccurate claim regarding Brigitte Macron's sex spread in part because their marriage has often been a point of interest online.
Brigitte Macron, being significantly older than her husband, originally knew Emmanuel Macron when serving as a instructor at the institution he attended.
Their relationship evolved through theatrical projects, and they entered into marriage in the following year, subsequent to her marriage dissolution.
She wrapped up her statement by expressing that the baseless rumors have caused a "chaos that continues endlessly" for the first lady.