False Allegations Online Negatively Impacted Brigitte Macron's Well-being, Child Testifies to Court
Brigitte Macron's daughter, Tiphaine Auzière, informed a tribunal in Paris that misleading allegations spread through social media—such as the groundless claim that the French first lady was born a man—have significantly harmed her mother's quality of life.
Auzière, a attorney, appeared as a witness in the court case of a group of defendants allegedly involved in digital bullying targeting her mother.
Consequences on Daily Life
She stated that Brigitte Macron now worries constantly about her appearance, such as her fashion choices to her posture, due to the fear that each snapshot might be distorted to support malicious comments.
"The consequence is that she constantly must be cautious to what she wears, how she holds herself, irrespective of her actions in her daily life," she informed the judges.
Those on Trial and Accusations
Eight men and two women, in that age range, are on trial for digital abuse. A few had limited online influence, while the rest were better known.
All is charged with spreading defamatory content about the first lady's gender and sexuality. Among them, this involved comparing the disparity in years with the French president to offensive labels.
Upon being found guilty, they face as much as 24 months in incarceration.
Consequences for Loved Ones
She, one of three children from Brigitte Macron's initial union, explained how the inaccurate allegations have resulted in a "decline of her physical state" and a "decline of her daily happiness".
She explained, "Scarcely a day passes when someone fails to mention this to her."
She emphasized the impact on her relatives, including the younger generation being exposed to hurtful comments like "Your grandmother is not truthful" or "She is your grandfather".
"She is unsure how to end it," she stated. "She didn't run for election, she never asked for public attention, and she is constantly experiencing these assaults."
Judicial Proceedings Background
This case is part of an ongoing effort in a wider judicial fight targeting the false claim that Brigitte Macron was male.
The Macrons have also filed a legal action in the United States alleging slander involving a media personality who promoted the claim.
The case states that the claim is totally unfounded and notes that the individual referenced is in fact her older brother.
Defendants' Responses
During the trial, several defendants disputed the charges.
- One defendant, now a deputy mayor, claimed he "never intended to inflict damage" and referred to his online statements as ironic.
- A fiction writer argued that his online activity were presented as "satire" and expressed concern that the trial could endanger "free speech".
- Another individual explained he shared posts as he believed it was an international matter with "consequences for France".
Relationship Background
The false theory regarding Brigitte Macron's identity spread to some extent because the Macrons' relationship has long been a subject of discussion in digital spaces.
She, being significantly older than Emmanuel Macron, initially encountered the future president when working as a instructor at his secondary school.
Their relationship developed through theatrical projects, and they entered into marriage in that year, after her separation.
She concluded her statement by saying that the inaccurate allegations have created a "chaos that never stops" for the first lady.