Misleading Assertions on the Internet Damaged Brigitte Macron's Quality of Life, Child Tells Court
Brigitte Macron's daughter, her daughter, has told a judicial body in Paris that inaccurate assertions online—among them the groundless claim that Brigitte Macron had a male birth identity—have significantly harmed her mother's quality of life.
She, a 41-year-old lawyer, served as a testifier in the legal proceedings of ten people allegedly involved in digital bullying directed at her mother.
Impact on Everyday Activities
Auzière stated that the first lady now feels perpetual anxiety about her appearance, such as her fashion choices to the way she carries herself, due to the fear that every photograph might be manipulated to advance malicious comments.
"The result is that she systematically has to pay attention to her outfits, how she holds herself, no matter what she's doing in her daily life," she told the court.
Those on Trial and Accusations
The defendants, in that age range, are in court for digital abuse. Several had modest digital reach, while several more were more prominent.
All is accused of posting harmful statements about Brigitte Macron's identity. Among them, this extended to equating the age gap with the French president to hurtful comparisons.
If convicted, they may be sentenced to up to two years in jail.
Consequences for Loved Ones
Auzière, one of three children from her mother's initial union, explained how the inaccurate allegations have caused a "worsening of her physical state" and a "decline of her quality of life".
She said, "Scarcely a day passes when someone avoids discussing this to her."
Auzière highlighted the impact on her relatives, for example her grandchildren being exposed to false assertions like "Your grandmother is lying" or "Your grandmother is actually a man".
"She has no idea what to do about it," Auzière stated. "She didn't run for election, she didn't pursue any of this, and she is continually experiencing these assaults."
Judicial Proceedings Context
The legal proceedings represents a recent development in a wider judicial fight targeting the baseless theory that the first lady is supposedly transgender.
The couple have pursued a legal action in the United States over false statements against a media personality who spread the claim.
The lawsuit states that the accusation is completely false and notes that the name mentioned is actually her brother.
Defendants' Responses
Throughout the proceedings, a few individuals rejected the charges.
- One defendant, serving as a local official, stated he "never intended to inflict damage" and described his online statements as ironic.
- Another defendant stated that his social media shares were intended as "satire" and expressed concern that the case could endanger "free speech".
- A third defendant explained he posted content as he believed it was an international matter with "impact on the nation".
Relationship Background
The baseless rumor regarding the first lady's sex circulated to some extent because their union has frequently been a topic of comment on the internet.
Brigitte Macron, who is significantly older than the president, initially encountered him when working as a teacher at his school.
The connection between them grew through the school's theatre programme, and they entered into marriage in that year, following her separation.
Auzière finished her testimony by saying that the inaccurate allegations have created a "storm that never stops" for her mother.