False Allegations Online Negatively Impacted Brigitte Macron's Daily Life, Daughter Testifies to Court
The French first lady's daughter, Tiphaine Auzière, testified to a tribunal in Paris that inaccurate assertions spread through social media—among them the baseless theory that Brigitte Macron had a male birth identity—have negatively impacted her mother's personal well-being.
She, a 41-year-old lawyer, served as a testifier in the legal proceedings of ten people facing charges for online harassment targeting the first lady.
Consequences on Personal Routine
She explained that the first lady now is always concerned about how she looks, such as her attire to how she stands, because of the apprehension that any image may be misused to fuel negative campaigns.
"The result is that she systematically has to pay attention to what she wears, her body language, no matter what her actions in day-to-day existence," she informed the judges.
Accused Individuals and Accusations
Eight men and two women, in that age range, are in court for digital abuse. A few had a small social media following, while several more were better known.
All is charged with posting harmful statements about Brigitte Macron's personal life. For some, this included linking the disparity in years with her husband to inappropriate terms.
If found responsible, they could receive as much as 24 months in incarceration.
Family Impact
She, one of three children from Brigitte Macron's first marriage, stated how the false claims have caused a "deterioration of her physical state" and a "decline of her quality of life".
She explained, "Hardly a day goes by when someone does not talk these claims to her."
Auzière highlighted the impact on her relatives, such as the kids hearing false assertions like "She is deceptive" or "Your grandmother is actually a man".
"She has no idea how to end it," Auzière remarked. "She holds no office, she has not sought any of this, and she is constantly facing this abuse."
Legal Battle Context
The Paris trial is part of an ongoing effort in a broader legal battle addressing the inaccurate allegation that Brigitte Macron was male.
They have also filed a US lawsuit for defamation targeting a conservative podcaster who amplified the theory.
The case states that the claim is completely false and notes that the name mentioned is really her sibling.
Accused Individuals' Statements
During the trial, several defendants denied the allegations.
- A retired business owner, serving as a local official, stated he "never intended to cause harm" and described his social media content as ironic.
- A well-known publicist claimed that his posts were presented as "irony" and voiced worry that the case could threaten "free speech".
- An art gallery owner said he disseminated posts because he felt it was an international matter with "impact on the nation".
Relationship Background
The inaccurate claim concerning Brigitte Macron's sex spread to some extent because their marriage has frequently been a topic of comment online.
She, being two decades older than the president, originally knew Emmanuel Macron when working as a instructor at his school.
Their bond developed through drama activities, and they married in that year, following her divorce.
She finished her account by expressing that the baseless rumors have created a "whirlwind that does not cease" for Brigitte Macron.