Inaccurate Claims on the Internet Negatively Impacted Brigitte Macron's Daily Life, Child Testifies to Judges

The French first lady's child, her daughter, has told a Paris court that inaccurate assertions spread through social media—including the groundless claim that she had a male birth identity—have significantly harmed her mother's personal well-being.

Auzière, a legal professional, served as a witness in the trial of a group of defendants facing charges for online harassment targeting her mother.

Effects on Everyday Activities

She stated that the first lady now feels perpetual anxiety about her appearance, including her attire to how she stands, due to the concern that every photograph might be manipulated to support negative campaigns.

"The consequence is that she always has to pay attention to her clothing, how she holds herself, regardless of her actions in her daily life," she told the court.

Defendants and Allegations

The defendants, aged 41 to 60, are facing charges for internet-based bullying. Several had modest digital reach, while the rest were better known.

Each one is accused of posting harmful statements about Brigitte Macron's personal life. In certain cases, this included linking the disparity in years with her husband to hurtful comparisons.

Upon being found guilty, they could receive up to two years in jail.

Effect on Relatives

She, a daughter from Brigitte Macron's previous marriage, described how the false claims have led to a "decline of her health" and a "worsening of her overall existence".

She said, "Not a day passes when someone fails to mention the issue to her."

Auzière highlighted the repercussions on her relatives, for example the kids hearing malicious statements like "Your grandmother is deceptive" or "She was born male".

"She has no idea how to stop it," she remarked. "She's not elected, she didn't pursue public attention, and she is constantly facing this abuse."

Legal Battle History

The legal proceedings represents a recent development in a wider judicial fight addressing the false claim that she was male.

The Macrons have pursued a US lawsuit alleging slander involving a media personality who amplified the theory.

The lawsuit clarifies that the allegation is completely false and notes that the name mentioned is really Brigitte Macron's sibling.

Accused Individuals' Statements

In court, a few individuals disputed the accusations.

• An individual, serving as a local official, asserted he "did not mean to hurt anyone" and referred to his social media content as humorous.
• A well-known publicist argued that his social media shares were presented as "irony" and highlighted apprehension that the trial could threaten "free speech".
• Another individual explained he posted information because he felt it was an international matter with "consequences for France".

Past Context

The false theory about the first lady's sex circulated partly because their marriage has long been a point of interest on the internet.

She, being significantly older than the president, first met him when serving as a educator at his school.

Their relationship evolved through the school's theatre programme, and they wed in 2007, following Brigitte Macron's divorce.

Auzière finished her account by expressing that the false claims have created a "storm that never stops" for her mother.