Inaccurate Assertions on Social Media Damaged Brigitte Macron's Quality of Life, Daughter Informs Judges

Brigitte Macron's child, her daughter, informed a judicial body in Paris that false claims spread through social media—such as the baseless theory that the French first lady was born a man—have negatively impacted her mother's quality of life.

Auzière, a 41-year-old lawyer, served as a testifier in the court case of ten people accused of internet-based abuse targeting Brigitte Macron.

Consequences on Everyday Activities

She stated that Brigitte Macron now feels perpetual anxiety about how she looks, including her attire to her posture, because of the apprehension that any image might be distorted to support hateful attacks.

"The result is that she systematically needs to be careful to what she wears, how she holds herself, regardless of her activities in her daily life," she informed the judges.

Those on Trial and Charges

Eight men and two women, in that age range, are on trial for online harassment. Several had modest digital reach, while the rest were more prominent.

Every defendant is alleged to have posting harmful statements about Brigitte Macron's identity. Among them, this included equating her age difference with her husband to offensive labels.

Upon being found guilty, they may be sentenced to up to two years in jail.

Effect on Relatives

She, a daughter from her mother's previous marriage, described how the inaccurate allegations have caused a "worsening of her well-being" and a "worsening of her quality of life".

She said, "Not a day goes by when a person avoids discussing these claims to her."

She emphasized the effects on loved ones, such as the younger generation being exposed to malicious statements like "Brigitte is lying" or "Your grandmother is actually a man".

"She has no idea how to end it," Auzière remarked. "She holds no office, she didn't pursue public attention, and she is permanently facing this abuse."

Court Case History

The Paris trial represents a recent development in a broader legal battle targeting the inaccurate allegation that she was male.

They have initiated a legal action in the United States alleging slander involving a media personality who amplified the claim.

The lawsuit states that the claim is totally unfounded and points out that the individual referenced is in fact her sibling.

Trial Testimonies

During the trial, several defendants denied the charges.

• A retired business owner, holding a public position, stated he "had no purpose to cause harm" and described his posts as satirical.
• A well-known publicist claimed that his social media shares were intended as "humor" and voiced worry that the case could threaten "free speech".
• A third defendant testified he disseminated posts because he felt it was an international matter with "impact on the nation".

Past Context

The false theory regarding Brigitte Macron's identity gained traction partly because their union has long been a subject of discussion online.

The first lady, aged two decades older than the president, originally knew the future president when serving as a instructor at his secondary school.

Their relationship grew through the school's theatre programme, and they wed in 2007, subsequent to her separation.

Auzière concluded her testimony by saying that the inaccurate allegations have created a "whirlwind that does not cease" for her mother.