False Claims on the Internet Damaged Brigitte Macron's Quality of Life, Daughter Tells the Tribunal
Brigitte Macron's daughter, her daughter, testified to a judicial body in Paris that misleading allegations spread through social media—including the unfounded rumor that the French first lady is transgender—have negatively impacted her mother's quality of life.
She, a attorney, was called as a witness in the legal proceedings of 10 individuals allegedly involved in internet-based abuse against her mother.
Impact on Personal Routine
She explained that her mother now worries constantly about how she looks, from the clothes she wears to the way she carries herself, as a result of the concern that each snapshot could be misused to advance malicious comments.
"The result is that she constantly needs to be careful to her clothing, how she holds herself, no matter what her actions in day-to-day existence," she testified.
Accused Individuals and Accusations
Eight men and two women, in that age range, are in court for internet-based bullying. Some had limited online influence, while several more were better known.
Every defendant is accused of posting harmful statements about Brigitte Macron's identity. Among them, this included equating her age difference with Emmanuel Macron to offensive labels.
Upon being found guilty, they face as much as 24 months in prison.
Effect on Relatives
She, a family member from her mother's initial union, explained how the baseless rumors have led to a "deterioration of her physical state" and a "worsening of her daily happiness".
She testified, "Scarcely a day goes by when an individual fails to mention this to her."
Auzière highlighted the effects on loved ones, such as her grandchildren hearing malicious statements like "Brigitte is lying" or "She is your grandfather".
"She has no idea how to end it," Auzière stated. "She holds no office, she never asked for public attention, and she is permanently facing these assaults."
Legal Battle Context
The Paris trial is the latest phase in a extended court case targeting the false claim that she was transgender.
The Macrons have also filed a legal action in the United States for defamation involving a political commentator who amplified the allegation.
The lawsuit states that the claim is entirely inaccurate and points out that the name mentioned is really her sibling.
Defendants' Responses
Throughout the proceedings, some of the accused rejected the charges.
- One defendant, holding a public position, claimed he "had no purpose to hurt anyone" and referred to his online statements as ironic.
- A well-known publicist argued that his posts were meant to be "irony" and voiced worry that the legal action could undermine "free speech".
- A third defendant explained he shared content because he felt it was a global issue with "impact on the nation".
Relationship Background
The false theory regarding the first lady's sex spread partly because their union has frequently been a topic of comment in digital spaces.
She, being 24 years older than Emmanuel Macron, initially encountered Emmanuel Macron when she was a instructor at his school.
The connection between them developed through theatrical projects, and they wed in the following year, subsequent to Brigitte Macron's marriage dissolution.
She concluded her statement by saying that the baseless rumors have created a "storm that does not cease" for her mother.