Inaccurate Allegations on Social Media Negatively Impacted Brigitte Macron's Daily Life, Child Informs Judges
The French first lady's daughter, her daughter, informed a Paris court that false claims online—including the baseless theory that the French first lady is transgender—have significantly harmed her mother's daily existence.
She, a attorney, served as a witness in the legal proceedings of a group of defendants facing charges for internet-based abuse targeting the first lady.
Effects on Everyday Activities
Auzière explained that Brigitte Macron now feels perpetual anxiety about her demeanor, such as her attire to the way she carries herself, due to the apprehension that any image might be manipulated to fuel malicious comments.
"The outcome is that she constantly must be cautious to what she wears, her body language, regardless of she's doing in day-to-day existence," Auzière informed the judges.
Defendants and Charges
Eight men and two women, between 41 and 60 years old, are facing charges for digital abuse. A few had modest digital reach, while the rest were more prominent.
Every defendant is charged with spreading defamatory content about the first lady's identity. In certain cases, this involved linking the disparity in years with Emmanuel Macron to hurtful comparisons.
Upon being found guilty, they face as much as 24 months in prison.
Family Impact
Auzière, a daughter from Brigitte Macron's previous marriage, stated how the false claims have resulted in a "decline of her health" and a "decline of her daily happiness".
She said, "Scarcely a day passes when an individual does not talk these claims to her."
Auzière emphasized the repercussions on the family, for example the younger generation being exposed to hurtful comments like "Your grandmother is lying" or "She was born male".
"She has no idea how to stop it," she testified. "She holds no office, she didn't pursue anything, and she is permanently subjected to these attacks."
Court Case Background
The legal proceedings is the latest phase in a extended court case addressing the false claim that the first lady was male.
They have initiated a case in America alleging slander against a political commentator who promoted the claim.
The lawsuit clarifies that the accusation is completely false and identifies that the individual referenced is in fact her older brother.
Defendants' Responses
In court, a few individuals disputed the charges.
- An individual, holding a public position, claimed he "never intended to inflict damage" and described his social media content as ironic.
- A fiction writer claimed that his posts were presented as "satire" and expressed concern that the legal action could undermine "freedom of expression".
- An art gallery owner testified he posted content as he believed it was a global issue with "implications for the country".
Personal History
The baseless rumor concerning the first lady's gender spread in part because their union has frequently been a subject of discussion on the internet.
Brigitte Macron, being two decades older than Emmanuel Macron, initially encountered him when she was a educator at his school.
Their bond grew through theatrical projects, and they wed in 2007, subsequent to her divorce.
She finished her statement by saying that the inaccurate allegations have caused a "chaos that never stops" for the first lady.