Misleading Assertions on Social Media Harmed Brigitte Macron's Well-being, Child Tells the Tribunal

Brigitte Macron's daughter, her daughter, informed a tribunal in Paris that false claims online—such as the unfounded rumor that the French first lady is transgender—have negatively impacted her mother's daily existence.

Auzière, a attorney, served as a testifier in the trial of ten people allegedly involved in online harassment directed at the first lady.

Effects on Everyday Activities

She stated that the first lady now is always concerned about her demeanor, such as the clothes she wears to how she stands, as a result of the fear that any image may be misused to support hateful attacks.

"The consequence is that she systematically needs to be careful to her outfits, how she holds herself, regardless of her actions in everyday routine," Auzière told the court.

Accused Individuals and Allegations

Eight men and two women, in that age range, are facing charges for online harassment. Some had limited online influence, while the rest were better known.

Every defendant is charged with spreading defamatory content about the first lady's personal life. For some, this involved equating her age difference with the French president to hurtful comparisons.

Upon being found guilty, they face as much as 24 months in incarceration.

Family Impact

She, a daughter from her mother's first marriage, described how the inaccurate allegations have led to a "worsening of her well-being" and a "deterioration of her overall existence".

She testified, "Scarcely a day goes by when a person avoids discussing these claims to her."

Auzière pointed out the impact on the family, such as the kids hearing false assertions like "She is lying" or "She is your grandfather".

"She does not know how to stop it," she testified. "She's not elected, she didn't pursue anything, and she is permanently subjected to these assaults."

Judicial Proceedings Context

The legal proceedings is part of an ongoing effort in a extended court case targeting the inaccurate allegation that she is supposedly transgender.

The couple have initiated a legal action in the United States alleging slander targeting a conservative podcaster who promoted the claim.

The legal filing states that the allegation is completely false and notes that the individual referenced is actually her brother.

Accused Individuals' Statements

Throughout the proceedings, some of the accused disputed the charges.

• An individual, holding a public position, asserted he "never intended to hurt anyone" and referred to his online statements as satirical.
• A fiction writer argued that his posts were presented as "irony" and expressed concern that the trial could threaten "freedom of expression".
• Another individual testified he posted posts since he thought it was an international matter with "implications for the country".

Relationship Background

The inaccurate claim about Brigitte Macron's gender circulated in part because the Macrons' relationship has often been a topic of comment online.

The first lady, aged 24 years older than her husband, initially encountered Emmanuel Macron when working as a teacher at his secondary school.

The connection between them developed through theatrical projects, and they married in 2007, subsequent to her separation.

Auzière wrapped up her account by expressing that the baseless rumors have created a "whirlwind that continues endlessly" for the first lady.