Inaccurate Claims on the Internet Damaged Brigitte Macron's Daily Life, Child Tells Court
The French first lady's daughter, Tiphaine Auzière, testified to a judicial body in Paris that false claims spread through social media—such as the unfounded rumor that Brigitte Macron had a male birth identity—have negatively impacted her mother's quality of life.
She, a legal professional, served as a testifier in the trial of 10 individuals facing charges for online harassment directed at the first lady.
Impact on Personal Routine
She explained that Brigitte Macron now worries constantly about how she looks, including her attire to the way she carries herself, due to the concern that any image could be distorted to fuel negative campaigns.
"The result is that she constantly must be cautious to what she wears, her posture, regardless of her actions in day-to-day existence," she testified.
Defendants and Charges
The defendants, aged 41 to 60, are on trial for online harassment. Several had modest digital reach, while several more were better known.
All is charged with posting harmful statements about Brigitte Macron's gender and sexuality. In certain cases, this extended to equating the disparity in years with her husband to inappropriate terms.
If found responsible, they could receive as much as 24 months in jail.
Family Impact
She, a daughter from her mother's first marriage, stated how the false claims have caused a "worsening of her health" and a "deterioration of her daily happiness".
She testified, "Scarcely a day passes when a person does not talk the issue to her."
She highlighted the impact on loved ones, including her grandchildren being exposed to malicious statements like "She is lying" or "Your grandmother is your grandfather".
"She has no idea what to do about it," she remarked. "She holds no office, she has not sought any of this, and she is constantly facing these assaults."
Judicial Proceedings Background
The legal proceedings represents a recent development in a extended court case addressing the baseless theory that Brigitte Macron is male.
They have initiated a US lawsuit alleging slander against a media personality who spread the allegation.
The case states that the claim is entirely inaccurate and identifies that the person cited is actually her older brother.
Trial Testimonies
Throughout the proceedings, some of the accused disputed the accusations.
- One defendant, holding a public position, claimed he "had no purpose to inflict damage" and described his posts as satirical.
- Another defendant stated that his social media shares were presented as "humor" and highlighted apprehension that the legal action could threaten "freedom of expression".
- Another individual explained he posted information as he believed it was an international matter with "implications for the country".
Personal History
The baseless rumor about Brigitte Macron's identity spread in part because their union has often been a point of interest online.
Brigitte Macron, aged two decades older than the president, initially encountered the future president when she was a instructor at his school.
Their bond evolved through theatrical projects, and they entered into marriage in that year, after Brigitte Macron's separation.
Auzière wrapped up her account by saying that the inaccurate allegations have created a "whirlwind that never stops" for Brigitte Macron.