False Allegations on Social Media Damaged Brigitte Macron's Quality of Life, Child Testifies to the Tribunal
Brigitte Macron's child, her daughter, testified to a judicial body in Paris that inaccurate assertions spread through social media—among them the groundless claim that Brigitte Macron is transgender—have significantly harmed her mother's personal well-being.
She, a attorney, was called as a witness in the court case of ten people accused of digital bullying targeting her mother.
Consequences on Everyday Activities
Auzière stated that her mother now feels perpetual anxiety about how she looks, such as the clothes she wears to how she stands, because of the concern that every photograph may be distorted to advance negative campaigns.
"The consequence is that she constantly needs to be careful to her clothing, her posture, no matter what she's doing in her daily life," she testified.
Defendants and Accusations
The defendants, aged 41 to 60, are facing charges for internet-based bullying. Some had a small social media following, while others were better known.
Each one is accused of spreading defamatory content about the first lady's identity. Among them, this included equating the age gap with Emmanuel Macron to inappropriate terms.
If convicted, they face up to two years in jail.
Consequences for Loved Ones
She, one of three children from Brigitte Macron's previous marriage, explained how the false claims have led to a "deterioration of her physical state" and a "decline of her overall existence".
She said, "Not a day passes when someone fails to mention this to her."
She emphasized the repercussions on loved ones, for example the kids learning about hurtful comments like "Your grandmother is not truthful" or "She is actually a man".
"She has no idea how to stop it," she testified. "She didn't run for election, she has not sought public attention, and she is continually subjected to this abuse."
Court Case Background
This case is the latest phase in a wider judicial fight targeting the false claim that she was transgender.
They have also filed a legal action in the United States alleging slander involving a political commentator who promoted the claim.
The lawsuit clarifies that the allegation is completely false and notes that the individual referenced is really her sibling.
Accused Individuals' Statements
During the trial, a few individuals denied the accusations.
- A retired business owner, holding a public position, asserted he "never intended to inflict damage" and referred to his online statements as ironic.
- Another defendant argued that his social media shares were intended as "satire" and expressed concern that the case could threaten "the right to speak freely".
- A third defendant testified he disseminated information since he thought it was a worldwide topic with "implications for the country".
Personal History
The inaccurate claim concerning Brigitte Macron's gender circulated to some extent because their union has often been a point of interest on the internet.
Brigitte Macron, being 24 years older than the president, originally knew the future president when working as a teacher at the institution he attended.
Their relationship grew through theatrical projects, and they married in that year, subsequent to Brigitte Macron's separation.
She concluded her statement by saying that the false claims have produced a "whirlwind that does not cease" for her mother.