False Assertions on the Internet Harmed Brigitte Macron's Quality of Life, Daughter Tells Court
Brigitte Macron's child, Tiphaine Auzière, has told a Paris court that misleading allegations circulating on the internet—among them the unfounded rumor that she is transgender—have negatively impacted her mother's daily existence.
She, a attorney, appeared as a witness in the court case of 10 individuals facing charges for digital bullying targeting her mother.
Consequences on Everyday Activities
Auzière testified that the first lady now is always concerned about her appearance, from the clothes she wears to how she stands, because of the concern that each snapshot might be distorted to advance malicious comments.
"The outcome is that she always has to pay attention to her clothing, her body language, irrespective of she's doing in day-to-day existence," Auzière told the court.
Defendants and Accusations
The defendants, aged 41 to 60, are facing charges for online harassment. Several had modest digital reach, while others were more visible.
Each one is alleged to have spreading defamatory content about Brigitte Macron's identity. For some, this extended to linking the disparity in years with Emmanuel Macron to inappropriate terms.
If found responsible, they may be sentenced to up to two years in prison.
Family Impact
She, a daughter from her mother's previous marriage, described how the inaccurate allegations have caused a "deterioration of her health" and a "worsening of her overall existence".
She testified, "Scarcely a day passes when an individual avoids discussing the issue to her."
She pointed out the impact on her relatives, for example the kids learning about hurtful comments like "Your grandmother is deceptive" or "She is actually a man".
"She has no idea how to end it," Auzière testified. "She's not elected, she has not sought any of this, and she is continually experiencing this abuse."
Judicial Proceedings Context
The Paris trial is part of an ongoing effort in a broader legal battle against the false claim that Brigitte Macron is supposedly a man.
The couple have pursued a case in America over false statements against a conservative podcaster who spread the allegation.
The legal filing states that the allegation is entirely inaccurate and identifies that the name mentioned is in fact her older brother.
Defendants' Responses
During the trial, several defendants denied the allegations.
- An individual, serving as a local official, claimed he "did not mean to hurt anyone" and described his social media content as ironic.
- Another defendant argued that his online activity were presented as "irony" and expressed concern that the legal action could threaten "the right to speak freely".
- An art gallery owner testified he shared content as he believed it was a global issue with "consequences for France".
Relationship Background
The inaccurate claim concerning Brigitte Macron's identity circulated partly because their marriage has long been a point of interest in digital spaces.
She, who is two decades older than the president, originally knew him when serving as a educator at his secondary school.
Their relationship developed through theatrical projects, and they entered into marriage in that year, following Brigitte Macron's marriage dissolution.
Auzière concluded her testimony by stating that the false claims have created a "chaos that never stops" for the first lady.