Inaccurate Assertions on the Internet Harmed Brigitte Macron's Daily Life, Child Informs Judges
The French first lady's child, her daughter, has told a tribunal in Paris that inaccurate assertions online—such as the baseless theory that she was born a man—have negatively impacted her mother's personal well-being.
She, a attorney, appeared as a witness in the court case of ten people allegedly involved in digital bullying against her mother.
Consequences on Personal Routine
She explained that Brigitte Macron now is always concerned about how she looks, from her attire to how she stands, due to the concern that each snapshot may be misused to support malicious comments.
"The outcome is that she always has to pay attention to what she wears, how she holds herself, irrespective of her actions in everyday routine," she informed the judges.
Accused Individuals and Charges
Ten individuals, aged 41 to 60, are in court for digital abuse. Several had a small social media following, while the rest were more visible.
All is charged with spreading defamatory content about the first lady's gender and sexuality. In certain cases, this extended to equating her age difference with the French president to offensive labels.
If found responsible, they could receive as much as 24 months in incarceration.
Family Impact
She, a daughter from her mother's previous marriage, stated how the baseless rumors have led to a "deterioration of her well-being" and a "decline of her daily happiness".
She said, "Not a day passes when a person fails to mention these claims to her."
She emphasized the repercussions on her relatives, including her grandchildren learning about hurtful comments like "Brigitte is lying" or "Your grandmother is your grandfather".
"She is unsure how to stop it," Auzière remarked. "She didn't run for election, she didn't pursue anything, and she is permanently subjected to these assaults."
Judicial Proceedings History
This case represents a recent development in a wider judicial fight targeting the inaccurate allegation that she is transgender.
The Macrons have also filed a legal action in the United States over false statements involving a conservative podcaster who spread the claim.
The case asserts that the accusation is totally unfounded and identifies that the person cited is actually Brigitte Macron's older brother.
Trial Testimonies
Throughout the proceedings, several defendants disputed the accusations.
- One defendant, now a deputy mayor, stated he "did not mean to inflict damage" and referred to his online statements as satirical.
- A well-known publicist argued that his social media shares were meant to be "irony" and highlighted apprehension that the case could endanger "freedom of expression".
- An art gallery owner explained he shared posts because he felt it was a worldwide topic with "consequences for France".
Relationship Background
The inaccurate claim regarding the first lady's sex spread in part because their union has often been a topic of comment in digital spaces.
She, who is significantly older than the president, originally knew him when working as a teacher at his school.
Their relationship grew through the school's theatre programme, and they married in that year, following her separation.
Auzière finished her account by stating that the false claims have created a "chaos that never stops" for the first lady.