Inaccurate Claims on the Internet Damaged Brigitte Macron's Daily Life, Daughter Informs Judges
Brigitte Macron's child, Tiphaine Auzière, has told a tribunal in Paris that misleading allegations online—including the unfounded rumor that the French first lady had a male birth identity—have severely damaged her mother's quality of life.
Auzière, a legal professional, was called as a witness in the trial of ten people allegedly involved in digital bullying targeting Brigitte Macron.
Impact on Daily Life
She testified that Brigitte Macron now feels perpetual anxiety about her demeanor, from her fashion choices to how she stands, because of the concern that each snapshot could be misused to advance hateful attacks.
"The consequence is that she constantly must be cautious to her clothing, her posture, irrespective of her activities in day-to-day existence," she testified.
Accused Individuals and Allegations
Ten individuals, in that age range, are in court for online harassment. Several had modest digital reach, while others were more visible.
Each one is charged with making malicious comments about the first lady's gender and sexuality. For some, this involved linking her age difference with the French president to offensive labels.
If convicted, they may be sentenced to up to two years in prison.
Family Impact
She, one of three children from Brigitte Macron's previous marriage, stated how the false claims have resulted in a "worsening of her well-being" and a "worsening of her overall existence".
She said, "Scarcely a day goes by when a person avoids discussing these claims to her."
Auzière highlighted the effects on her relatives, including the kids hearing malicious statements like "She is deceptive" or "Your grandmother is actually a man".
"She does not know how to end it," she stated. "She didn't run for election, she has not sought anything, and she is constantly subjected to these assaults."
Court Case History
This case is part of an ongoing effort in a extended court case targeting the baseless theory that the first lady is supposedly transgender.
The Macrons have initiated a legal action in the United States alleging slander against a media personality who spread the theory.
The legal filing asserts that the accusation is totally unfounded and identifies that the individual referenced is really Brigitte Macron's brother.
Accused Individuals' Statements
In court, several defendants disputed the charges.
- An individual, serving as a local official, asserted he "did not mean to hurt anyone" and referred to his social media content as satirical.
- A well-known publicist argued that his posts were intended as "satire" and highlighted apprehension that the trial could undermine "the right to speak freely".
- An art gallery owner testified he posted content since he thought it was a worldwide topic with "implications for the country".
Personal History
The inaccurate claim concerning Brigitte Macron's sex spread partly because their marriage has often been a topic of comment on the internet.
The first lady, aged 24 years older than the president, originally knew the future president when serving as a educator at his school.
The connection between them evolved through drama activities, and they married in 2007, after Brigitte Macron's marriage dissolution.
Auzière finished her testimony by saying that the baseless rumors have caused a "chaos that continues endlessly" for Brigitte Macron.