Inaccurate Allegations on Social Media Damaged Brigitte Macron's Well-being, Daughter Tells Judges
Brigitte Macron's daughter, her daughter, testified to a judicial body in Paris that inaccurate assertions spread through social media—including the baseless theory that the French first lady was born a man—have significantly harmed her mother's daily existence.
Auzière, a legal professional, served as a witness in the legal proceedings of a group of defendants allegedly involved in internet-based abuse against Brigitte Macron.
Consequences on Daily Life
Auzière testified that Brigitte Macron now feels perpetual anxiety about how she looks, including her attire to the way she carries herself, because of the concern that every photograph may be misused to support malicious comments.
"The result is that she always has to pay attention to her clothing, her posture, irrespective of she's doing in her daily life," she testified.
Accused Individuals and Accusations
Ten individuals, in that age range, are in court for digital abuse. A few had modest digital reach, while several more were better known.
All is alleged to have spreading defamatory content about the first lady's gender and sexuality. For some, this involved comparing her age difference with her husband to inappropriate terms.
If convicted, they face up to two years in incarceration.
Family Impact
Auzière, a family member from Brigitte Macron's previous marriage, stated how the baseless rumors have caused a "deterioration of her physical state" and a "worsening of her overall existence".
She explained, "Not a day goes by when a person avoids discussing these claims to her."
She emphasized the effects on loved ones, for example her grandchildren being exposed to malicious statements like "Your grandmother is lying" or "She is your grandfather".
"She is unsure how to stop it," Auzière remarked. "She's not elected, she has not sought public attention, and she is constantly facing this abuse."
Judicial Proceedings History
The Paris trial is part of an ongoing effort in a broader legal battle against the baseless theory that Brigitte Macron was a man.
The couple have initiated a case in America over false statements targeting a political commentator who spread the allegation.
The lawsuit states that the claim is completely false and notes that the person cited is actually her sibling.
Defendants' Responses
During the trial, several defendants disputed the charges.
- An individual, now a deputy mayor, stated he "never intended to inflict damage" and described his posts as ironic.
- A well-known publicist claimed that his social media shares were intended as "humor" and voiced worry that the trial could undermine "the right to speak freely".
- A third defendant said he posted content because he felt it was a global issue with "consequences for France".
Past Context
The baseless rumor regarding the first lady's gender gained traction partly because the Macrons' relationship has long been a subject of discussion in digital spaces.
She, being 24 years older than Emmanuel Macron, originally knew the future president when working as a educator at his secondary school.
Their relationship developed through drama activities, and they married in that year, subsequent to her separation.
Auzière concluded her account by stating that the inaccurate allegations have produced a "storm that continues endlessly" for Brigitte Macron.