Inaccurate Allegations on the Internet Damaged Brigitte Macron's Quality of Life, Child Tells Judges
The French first lady's daughter, her daughter, testified to a judicial body in Paris that inaccurate assertions circulating on the internet—among them the unfounded rumor that the French first lady is transgender—have negatively impacted her mother's quality of life.
Auzière, a legal professional, served as a testifier in the legal proceedings of 10 individuals facing charges for digital bullying targeting the first lady.
Impact on Everyday Activities
Auzière testified that her mother now feels perpetual anxiety about her appearance, such as the clothes she wears to how she stands, because of the concern that each snapshot may be misused to advance malicious comments.
"The consequence is that she always needs to be careful to her clothing, how she holds herself, irrespective of she's doing in day-to-day existence," she informed the judges.
Accused Individuals and Allegations
The defendants, in that age range, are in court for online harassment. Some had modest digital reach, while the rest were more prominent.
Each one is alleged to have making malicious comments about Brigitte Macron's gender and sexuality. Among them, this extended to comparing the disparity in years with Emmanuel Macron to offensive labels.
If convicted, they could receive as much as 24 months in incarceration.
Consequences for Loved Ones
Auzière, a daughter from her mother's initial union, stated how the inaccurate allegations have resulted in a "deterioration of her physical state" and a "worsening of her daily happiness".
She testified, "Scarcely a day passes when someone avoids discussing this to her."
Auzière emphasized the effects on her relatives, for example the kids hearing malicious statements like "She is deceptive" or "She is your grandfather".
"She is unsure how to end it," she testified. "She holds no office, she didn't pursue anything, and she is continually subjected to these attacks."
Legal Battle Context
The Paris trial is the latest phase in a broader legal battle against the baseless theory that the first lady was transgender.
The Macrons have initiated a case in America over false statements involving a political commentator who amplified the claim.
The lawsuit states that the claim is totally unfounded and points out that the person cited is in fact her older brother.
Trial Testimonies
In court, several defendants disputed the charges.
- One defendant, now a deputy mayor, asserted he "did not mean to cause harm" and referred to his posts as ironic.
- A well-known publicist claimed that his social media shares were presented as "humor" and voiced worry that the case could threaten "free speech".
- A third defendant testified he posted content because he felt it was a global issue with "impact on the nation".
Past Context
The false theory regarding Brigitte Macron's gender spread in part because their union has often been a subject of discussion on the internet.
The first lady, who is significantly older than Emmanuel Macron, first met the future president when serving as a instructor at his secondary school.
The connection between them grew through drama activities, and they married in the following year, after Brigitte Macron's separation.
Auzière wrapped up her account by stating that the inaccurate allegations have produced a "chaos that continues endlessly" for her mother.
