Misleading Assertions on the Internet Negatively Impacted Brigitte Macron's Daily Life, Daughter Informs Judges
The French first lady's daughter, her daughter, has told a Paris court that misleading allegations online—among them the groundless claim that the French first lady was born a man—have severely damaged her mother's quality of life.
She, a legal professional, was called as a testifier in the legal proceedings of a group of defendants facing charges for online harassment against her mother.
Consequences on Everyday Activities
She testified that Brigitte Macron now feels perpetual anxiety about how she looks, from her attire to her posture, as a result of the apprehension that each snapshot could be misused to support hateful attacks.
"The consequence is that she systematically must be cautious to what she wears, how she holds herself, regardless of her activities in day-to-day existence," Auzière told the court.
Accused Individuals and Accusations
Ten individuals, in that age range, are in court for internet-based bullying. Several had limited online influence, while the rest were more prominent.
Each one is accused of posting harmful statements about the first lady's personal life. In certain cases, this involved equating the age gap with her husband to hurtful comparisons.
Upon being found guilty, they face up to two years in jail.
Effect on Relatives
She, a family member from her mother's previous marriage, described how the false claims have led to a "deterioration of her physical state" and a "worsening of her daily happiness".
She testified, "Hardly a day goes by when an individual fails to mention this to her."
She emphasized the impact on loved ones, such as the kids hearing hurtful comments like "She is lying" or "Your grandmother was born male".
"She has no idea how to stop it," she stated. "She's not elected, she has not sought any of this, and she is continually subjected to these attacks."
Judicial Proceedings Context
The legal proceedings represents a recent development in a extended court case addressing the baseless theory that the first lady is male.
The couple have also filed a legal action in the United States over false statements against a media personality who amplified the allegation.
The lawsuit states that the claim is entirely inaccurate and notes that the person cited is actually Brigitte Macron's sibling.
Defendants' Responses
In court, several defendants rejected the allegations.
- One defendant, serving as a local official, asserted he "had no purpose to cause harm" and referred to his posts as satirical.
- A well-known publicist claimed that his online activity were presented as "satire" and expressed concern that the legal action could undermine "free speech".
- A third defendant said he disseminated content because he felt it was a worldwide topic with "consequences for France".
Past Context
The baseless rumor regarding Brigitte Macron's gender circulated to some extent because their marriage has long been a topic of comment on the internet.
She, being 24 years older than her husband, originally knew the future president when serving as a instructor at the institution he attended.
Their bond evolved through the school's theatre programme, and they married in that year, subsequent to her marriage dissolution.
Auzière wrapped up her statement by expressing that the baseless rumors have created a "chaos that continues endlessly" for Brigitte Macron.
