Misleading Assertions on Social Media Negatively Impacted Brigitte Macron's Well-being, Daughter Testifies to Judges
The French first lady's child, her daughter, testified to a judicial body in Paris that misleading allegations online—such as the unfounded rumor that Brigitte Macron is transgender—have significantly harmed her mother's personal well-being.
Auzière, a 41-year-old lawyer, appeared as a testifier in the trial of ten people facing charges for online harassment against Brigitte Macron.
Effects on Personal Routine
Auzière testified that her mother now worries constantly about how she looks, from her fashion choices to how she stands, as a result of the apprehension that any image could be misused to fuel malicious comments.
"The consequence is that she always has to pay attention to her clothing, her body language, irrespective of she's doing in day-to-day existence," Auzière told the court.
Defendants and Accusations
Ten individuals, in that age range, are facing charges for internet-based bullying. Several had modest digital reach, while several more were more visible.
Each one is charged with posting harmful statements about Brigitte Macron's personal life. Among them, this extended to linking the disparity in years with Emmanuel Macron to offensive labels.
If convicted, they could receive a maximum of two years in incarceration.
Effect on Relatives
Auzière, a daughter from her mother's first marriage, stated how the inaccurate allegations have caused a "deterioration of her well-being" and a "decline of her overall existence".
She explained, "Scarcely a day passes when an individual does not talk these claims to her."
Auzière emphasized the impact on her relatives, such as the younger generation learning about false assertions like "She is lying" or "She was born male".
"She is unsure what to do about it," Auzière stated. "She holds no office, she didn't pursue anything, and she is constantly subjected to these assaults."
Legal Battle Context
The Paris trial is the latest phase in a broader legal battle against the inaccurate allegation that she is transgender.
The couple have initiated a US lawsuit over false statements involving a conservative podcaster who spread the theory.
The case asserts that the allegation is totally unfounded and identifies that the name mentioned is actually her older brother.
Trial Testimonies
In court, some of the accused rejected the allegations.
- One defendant, holding a public position, asserted he "had no purpose to cause harm" and described his online statements as humorous.
- A well-known publicist stated that his online activity were meant to be "satire" and highlighted apprehension that the case could threaten "the right to speak freely".
- A third defendant explained he shared posts since he thought it was a global issue with "implications for the country".
Personal History
The baseless rumor regarding Brigitte Macron's sex gained traction to some extent because the Macrons' relationship has often been a point of interest online.
She, who is significantly older than her husband, first met the future president when working as a instructor at his school.
The connection between them developed through the school's theatre programme, and they wed in the following year, following her separation.
She wrapped up her account by stating that the baseless rumors have produced a "chaos that never stops" for her mother.
