False Claims on Social Media Harmed Brigitte Macron's Quality of Life, Daughter Tells the Tribunal
The French first lady's daughter, her daughter, informed a Paris court that false claims spread through social media—among them the groundless claim that the French first lady had a male birth identity—have negatively impacted her mother's daily existence.
Auzière, a attorney, appeared as a testifier in the court case of a group of defendants accused of internet-based abuse directed at the first lady.
Impact on Everyday Activities
Auzière testified that the first lady now worries constantly about how she looks, such as the clothes she wears to the way she carries herself, due to the fear that each snapshot could be distorted to support malicious comments.
"The outcome is that she constantly needs to be careful to her clothing, how she holds herself, irrespective of her actions in day-to-day existence," Auzière testified.
Accused Individuals and Allegations
Eight men and two women, aged 41 to 60, are facing charges for online harassment. Several had limited online influence, while several more were better known.
All is accused of making malicious comments about Brigitte Macron's personal life. For some, this included equating the age gap with her husband to hurtful comparisons.
If found responsible, they could receive a maximum of two years in prison.
Family Impact
Auzière, one of three children from her mother's previous marriage, explained how the false claims have led to a "deterioration of her health" and a "worsening of her overall existence".
She testified, "Scarcely a day goes by when an individual fails to mention this to her."
Auzière pointed out the impact on the family, such as her grandchildren learning about false assertions like "Your grandmother is lying" or "Your grandmother is your grandfather".
"She does not know how to end it," Auzière testified. "She holds no office, she didn't pursue public attention, and she is continually subjected to these assaults."
Court Case History
The Paris trial is part of an ongoing effort in a wider judicial fight addressing the baseless theory that she was male.
They have pursued a case in America alleging slander involving a political commentator who amplified the claim.
The lawsuit clarifies that the claim is totally unfounded and identifies that the name mentioned is in fact Brigitte Macron's brother.
Trial Testimonies
During the trial, some of the accused rejected the accusations.
- An individual, holding a public position, claimed he "had no purpose to hurt anyone" and described his online statements as satirical.
- A fiction writer claimed that his online activity were meant to be "satire" and expressed concern that the trial could undermine "free speech".
- An art gallery owner testified he posted content because he felt it was a global issue with "impact on the nation".
Relationship Background
The inaccurate claim regarding the first lady's sex circulated to some extent because their marriage has often been a subject of discussion on the internet.
She, aged significantly older than her husband, originally knew him when working as a instructor at his secondary school.
Their relationship grew through theatrical projects, and they wed in that year, following her divorce.
Auzière concluded her account by expressing that the baseless rumors have created a "whirlwind that does not cease" for the first lady.