Inaccurate Claims on the Internet Negatively Impacted Brigitte Macron's Daily Life, Child Informs the Tribunal

The French first lady's daughter, her daughter, testified to a judicial body in Paris that misleading allegations online—such as the groundless claim that the French first lady had a male birth identity—have negatively impacted her mother's quality of life.

Auzière, a 41-year-old lawyer, served as a witness in the legal proceedings of 10 individuals accused of online harassment directed at the first lady.

Impact on Everyday Activities

Auzière testified that the first lady now feels perpetual anxiety about her demeanor, including her fashion choices to how she stands, because of the fear that any image may be manipulated to advance hateful attacks.

"The result is that she constantly needs to be careful to what she wears, how she holds herself, irrespective of her activities in everyday routine," Auzière told the court.

Defendants and Charges

Ten individuals, between 41 and 60 years old, are facing charges for internet-based bullying. A few had limited online influence, while the rest were more prominent.

All is charged with posting harmful statements about the first lady's personal life. Among them, this extended to linking her age difference with her husband to offensive labels.

Upon being found guilty, they may be sentenced to as much as 24 months in incarceration.

Consequences for Loved Ones

Auzière, one of three children from Brigitte Macron's initial union, stated how the false claims have caused a "worsening of her health" and a "worsening of her daily happiness".

She explained, "Scarcely a day passes when an individual fails to mention the issue to her."

Auzière pointed out the effects on the family, for example the kids hearing false assertions like "She is lying" or "She is your grandfather".

"She does not know what to do about it," Auzière remarked. "She didn't run for election, she has not sought anything, and she is continually experiencing this abuse."

Judicial Proceedings Context

The legal proceedings is the latest phase in a wider judicial fight targeting the false claim that Brigitte Macron was a man.

The couple have pursued a legal action in the United States over false statements against a media personality who spread the claim.

The lawsuit clarifies that the allegation is totally unfounded and points out that the individual referenced is really Brigitte Macron's older brother.

Defendants' Responses

In court, a few individuals disputed the allegations.

• One defendant, now a deputy mayor, asserted he "never intended to cause harm" and described his posts as satirical.
• Another defendant stated that his social media shares were presented as "humor" and voiced worry that the trial could threaten "free speech".
• A third defendant said he posted posts since he thought it was a global issue with "impact on the nation".

Personal History

The inaccurate claim regarding the first lady's sex gained traction partly because their marriage has frequently been a topic of comment online.

The first lady, aged significantly older than her husband, initially encountered the future president when working as a instructor at his secondary school.

The connection between them grew through theatrical projects, and they married in the following year, subsequent to Brigitte Macron's separation.

She wrapped up her statement by expressing that the inaccurate allegations have produced a "chaos that continues endlessly" for her mother.