Misleading Assertions on the Internet Harmed Brigitte Macron's Daily Life, Child Testifies to Court
Brigitte Macron's child, her daughter, has told a tribunal in Paris that inaccurate assertions spread through social media—such as the unfounded rumor that the French first lady was born a man—have negatively impacted her mother's personal well-being.
Auzière, a legal professional, was called as a witness in the legal proceedings of 10 individuals allegedly involved in online harassment directed at Brigitte Macron.
Consequences on Personal Routine
She stated that her mother now worries constantly about how she looks, including her attire to how she stands, because of the concern that every photograph might be manipulated to support negative campaigns.
"The outcome is that she always has to pay attention to what she wears, her body language, regardless of her activities in her daily life," Auzière testified.
Those on Trial and Accusations
The defendants, aged 41 to 60, are on trial for digital abuse. A few had limited online influence, while the rest were more prominent.
Every defendant is alleged to have spreading defamatory content about the first lady's identity. Among them, this involved linking the disparity in years with her husband to hurtful comparisons.
If found responsible, they may be sentenced to up to two years in prison.
Family Impact
Auzière, one of three children from Brigitte Macron's first marriage, described how the baseless rumors have caused a "worsening of her physical state" and a "deterioration of her overall existence".
She said, "Hardly a day goes by when someone avoids discussing the issue to her."
She highlighted the impact on her relatives, for example the younger generation learning about hurtful comments like "Brigitte is not truthful" or "Your grandmother was born male".
"She has no idea what to do about it," she testified. "She didn't run for election, she has not sought public attention, and she is permanently experiencing these attacks."
Judicial Proceedings Context
The legal proceedings is the latest phase in a wider judicial fight against the baseless theory that the first lady is supposedly a man.
The couple have pursued a US lawsuit over false statements targeting a conservative podcaster who spread the theory.
The case clarifies that the allegation is completely false and notes that the name mentioned is in fact her sibling.
Trial Testimonies
In court, several defendants rejected the charges.
- A retired business owner, holding a public position, claimed he "never intended to hurt anyone" and referred to his online statements as humorous.
- A fiction writer claimed that his social media shares were intended as "humor" and highlighted apprehension that the case could threaten "the right to speak freely".
- Another individual said he posted information because he felt it was an international matter with "impact on the nation".
Relationship Background
The false theory concerning Brigitte Macron's identity gained traction partly because their marriage has frequently been a subject of discussion in digital spaces.
The first lady, being significantly older than Emmanuel Macron, initially encountered the future president when serving as a educator at the institution he attended.
The connection between them evolved through theatrical projects, and they entered into marriage in that year, subsequent to her marriage dissolution.
She finished her statement by saying that the baseless rumors have created a "storm that continues endlessly" for the first lady.