Inaccurate Assertions on the Internet Negatively Impacted Brigitte Macron's Quality of Life, Child Informs Judges

The French first lady's daughter, her daughter, informed a tribunal in Paris that misleading allegations online—such as the baseless theory that the French first lady had a male birth identity—have significantly harmed her mother's daily existence.

Auzière, a legal professional, appeared as a testifier in the court case of ten people allegedly involved in digital bullying targeting Brigitte Macron.

Consequences on Everyday Activities

Auzière stated that Brigitte Macron now is always concerned about her appearance, including her fashion choices to how she stands, as a result of the concern that every photograph could be manipulated to advance malicious comments.

"The result is that she systematically must be cautious to her outfits, her body language, no matter what her activities in day-to-day existence," Auzière testified.

Defendants and Allegations

Eight men and two women, aged 41 to 60, are in court for internet-based bullying. Several had modest digital reach, while the rest were more visible.

Each one is accused of making malicious comments about the first lady's personal life. In certain cases, this included comparing the disparity in years with her husband to offensive labels.

If convicted, they could receive as much as 24 months in prison.

Effect on Relatives

She, a daughter from her mother's previous marriage, stated how the inaccurate allegations have resulted in a "deterioration of her well-being" and a "worsening of her overall existence".

She explained, "Not a day goes by when a person fails to mention this to her."

She highlighted the impact on loved ones, including her grandchildren learning about hurtful comments like "She is lying" or "She is your grandfather".

"She does not know how to end it," she remarked. "She holds no office, she never asked for anything, and she is permanently subjected to this abuse."

Court Case Context

The legal proceedings is the latest phase in a extended court case addressing the baseless theory that the first lady was male.

They have initiated a US lawsuit over false statements involving a conservative podcaster who amplified the theory.

The lawsuit states that the allegation is entirely inaccurate and identifies that the individual referenced is actually Brigitte Macron's brother.

Defendants' Responses

In court, several defendants rejected the charges.

  • One defendant, holding a public position, asserted he "had no purpose to cause harm" and described his online statements as ironic.
  • A well-known publicist stated that his social media shares were presented as "irony" and expressed concern that the legal action could threaten "the right to speak freely".
  • An art gallery owner testified he posted posts as he believed it was a global issue with "implications for the country".

Relationship Background

The false theory regarding Brigitte Macron's sex spread to some extent because their union has long been a point of interest on the internet.

The first lady, aged two decades older than the president, initially encountered him when serving as a teacher at the institution he attended.

Their bond grew through the school's theatre programme, and they married in 2007, subsequent to Brigitte Macron's marriage dissolution.

Auzière finished her statement by saying that the false claims have created a "storm that does not cease" for her mother.

Micheal Cain
Micheal Cain

Cybersecurity specialist with over a decade of experience in digital privacy and data protection strategies.