Misleading Assertions on Social Media Negatively Impacted Brigitte Macron's Daily Life, Child Informs Judges

Brigitte Macron's daughter, her daughter, informed a Paris court that misleading allegations circulating on the internet—including the groundless claim that the French first lady was born a man—have significantly harmed her mother's daily existence.

Auzière, a attorney, was called as a testifier in the court case of ten people facing charges for online harassment targeting the first lady.

Effects on Personal Routine

She testified that the first lady now worries constantly about her appearance, such as her attire to her posture, as a result of the apprehension that any image might be misused to fuel negative campaigns.

"The result is that she systematically needs to be careful to her outfits, her posture, regardless of her actions in everyday routine," Auzière told the court.

Defendants and Charges

The defendants, aged 41 to 60, are on trial for digital abuse. A few had limited online influence, while several more were more prominent.

Every defendant is accused of making malicious comments about the first lady's identity. Among them, this extended to linking her age difference with the French president to hurtful comparisons.

Upon being found guilty, they face up to two years in jail.

Consequences for Loved Ones

Auzière, one of three children from Brigitte Macron's previous marriage, explained how the baseless rumors have resulted in a "deterioration of her health" and a "decline of her quality of life".

She said, "Not a day goes by when a person fails to mention the issue to her."

Auzière pointed out the repercussions on the family, for example the kids hearing hurtful comments like "Brigitte is not truthful" or "Your grandmother is actually a man".

"She does not know what to do about it," Auzière remarked. "She's not elected, she has not sought any of this, and she is constantly experiencing this abuse."

Legal Battle Background

The Paris trial is part of an ongoing effort in a extended court case addressing the baseless theory that Brigitte Macron is supposedly transgender.

The Macrons have also filed a US lawsuit for defamation involving a political commentator who amplified the theory.

The case asserts that the claim is entirely inaccurate and points out that the individual referenced is really Brigitte Macron's brother.

Trial Testimonies

During the trial, some of the accused rejected the allegations.

• An individual, holding a public position, claimed he "had no purpose to inflict damage" and described his online statements as ironic.
• A well-known publicist stated that his posts were intended as "humor" and voiced worry that the legal action could threaten "freedom of expression".
• A third defendant testified he posted posts since he thought it was a worldwide topic with "consequences for France".

Past Context

The false theory concerning the first lady's gender circulated to some extent because their union has often been a subject of discussion online.

Brigitte Macron, who is two decades older than the president, first met the future president when she was a instructor at his secondary school.

The connection between them evolved through drama activities, and they entered into marriage in 2007, after Brigitte Macron's divorce.

She wrapped up her account by expressing that the baseless rumors have produced a "chaos that never stops" for the first lady.