Misleading Allegations Online Damaged Brigitte Macron's Quality of Life, Child Informs the Tribunal

The French first lady's child, her daughter, has told a judicial body in Paris that misleading allegations spread through social media—including the unfounded rumor that the French first lady had a male birth identity—have significantly harmed her mother's personal well-being.

Auzière, a attorney, served as a testifier in the legal proceedings of 10 individuals allegedly involved in digital bullying targeting her mother.

Effects on Everyday Activities

She explained that her mother now is always concerned about how she looks, from the clothes she wears to how she stands, because of the apprehension that each snapshot might be misused to support negative campaigns.

"The outcome is that she systematically needs to be careful to her clothing, her body language, regardless of she's doing in day-to-day existence," she informed the judges.

Those on Trial and Charges

Ten individuals, aged 41 to 60, are on trial for digital abuse. A few had limited online influence, while several more were better known.

Each one is alleged to have spreading defamatory content about Brigitte Macron's identity. For some, this included linking the disparity in years with the French president to offensive labels.

If convicted, they could receive a maximum of two years in jail.

Consequences for Loved Ones

Auzière, one of three children from Brigitte Macron's first marriage, explained how the false claims have caused a "worsening of her well-being" and a "deterioration of her overall existence".

She explained, "Not a day goes by when an individual avoids discussing this to her."

Auzière highlighted the effects on loved ones, such as the kids learning about malicious statements like "She is not truthful" or "She is your grandfather".

"She does not know what to do about it," she remarked. "She's not elected, she never asked for public attention, and she is constantly experiencing these attacks."

Judicial Proceedings History

The legal proceedings is part of an ongoing effort in a broader legal battle addressing the inaccurate allegation that the first lady is supposedly male.

They have also filed a US lawsuit for defamation targeting a political commentator who promoted the claim.

The lawsuit clarifies that the claim is entirely inaccurate and notes that the name mentioned is in fact Brigitte Macron's brother.

Defendants' Responses

During the trial, a few individuals disputed the charges.

• One defendant, now a deputy mayor, asserted he "never intended to cause harm" and referred to his online statements as ironic.
• A fiction writer stated that his posts were intended as "irony" and expressed concern that the trial could threaten "freedom of expression".
• A third defendant said he disseminated information as he believed it was a worldwide topic with "impact on the nation".

Relationship Background

The baseless rumor regarding the first lady's identity spread in part because their marriage has long been a topic of comment in digital spaces.

Brigitte Macron, being 24 years older than her husband, originally knew the future president when she was a instructor at his secondary school.

The connection between them evolved through drama activities, and they wed in the following year, after Brigitte Macron's marriage dissolution.

Auzière wrapped up her account by stating that the inaccurate allegations have produced a "chaos that does not cease" for the first lady.