Inaccurate Allegations on Social Media Damaged Brigitte Macron's Daily Life, Daughter Tells the Tribunal
The French first lady's daughter, her daughter, informed a tribunal in Paris that inaccurate assertions online—among them the groundless claim that she is transgender—have severely damaged her mother's quality of life.
She, a legal professional, appeared as a witness in the trial of a group of defendants allegedly involved in digital bullying against Brigitte Macron.
Effects on Everyday Activities
She testified that Brigitte Macron now worries constantly about how she looks, from her attire to how she stands, due to the fear that any image could be misused to advance hateful attacks.
"The result is that she always has to pay attention to her outfits, her body language, no matter what her actions in day-to-day existence," she testified.
Defendants and Accusations
Eight men and two women, between 41 and 60 years old, are on trial for digital abuse. Some had a small social media following, while several more were more prominent.
Every defendant is alleged to have spreading defamatory content about the first lady's gender and sexuality. Among them, this involved linking her age difference with the French president to inappropriate terms.
If convicted, they may be sentenced to up to two years in jail.
Consequences for Loved Ones
She, a daughter from her mother's first marriage, described how the inaccurate allegations have caused a "decline of her well-being" and a "worsening of her overall existence".
She said, "Hardly a day passes when a person fails to mention the issue to her."
She pointed out the repercussions on the family, for example the younger generation hearing false assertions like "She is lying" or "Your grandmother is your grandfather".
"She is unsure what to do about it," Auzière testified. "She's not elected, she didn't pursue anything, and she is continually experiencing these attacks."
Court Case Context
This case represents a recent development in a extended court case targeting the false claim that the first lady was male.
The Macrons have also filed a case in America over false statements involving a conservative podcaster who promoted the allegation.
The legal filing clarifies that the accusation is completely false and notes that the individual referenced is really Brigitte Macron's brother.
Accused Individuals' Statements
During the trial, some of the accused rejected the accusations.
- One defendant, serving as a local official, claimed he "had no purpose to hurt anyone" and referred to his social media content as ironic.
- A fiction writer claimed that his posts were presented as "satire" and highlighted apprehension that the case could undermine "free speech".
- A third defendant testified he disseminated information as he believed it was an international matter with "implications for the country".
Personal History
The inaccurate claim concerning Brigitte Macron's sex spread partly because their marriage has often been a subject of discussion on the internet.
Brigitte Macron, being 24 years older than her husband, first met Emmanuel Macron when she was a teacher at his school.
Their bond grew through drama activities, and they wed in that year, after Brigitte Macron's divorce.
Auzière concluded her testimony by stating that the baseless rumors have caused a "whirlwind that does not cease" for her mother.
