Inaccurate Assertions on Social Media Negatively Impacted Brigitte Macron's Daily Life, Child Tells Court
The French first lady's child, Tiphaine Auzière, informed a Paris court that false claims circulating on the internet—including the groundless claim that the French first lady is transgender—have significantly harmed her mother's personal well-being.
Auzière, a 41-year-old lawyer, served as a witness in the court case of ten people allegedly involved in internet-based abuse targeting the first lady.
Consequences on Daily Life
She testified that the first lady now worries constantly about how she looks, from her fashion choices to how she stands, due to the concern that each snapshot may be misused to support negative campaigns.
"The result is that she always must be cautious to her clothing, her posture, no matter what her activities in everyday routine," she informed the judges.
Defendants and Accusations
The defendants, aged 41 to 60, are facing charges for internet-based bullying. A few had a small social media following, while several more were better known.
Each one is alleged to have making malicious comments about Brigitte Macron's identity. In certain cases, this involved linking her age difference with the French president to inappropriate terms.
Upon being found guilty, they may be sentenced to as much as 24 months in incarceration.
Effect on Relatives
Auzière, a daughter from Brigitte Macron's initial union, stated how the baseless rumors have caused a "decline of her health" and a "decline of her overall existence".
She explained, "Not a day passes when a person avoids discussing this to her."
Auzière pointed out the impact on the family, such as the younger generation hearing false assertions like "Brigitte is not truthful" or "Your grandmother was born male".
"She does not know how to stop it," she remarked. "She's not elected, she didn't pursue any of this, and she is permanently experiencing these assaults."
Legal Battle Context
This case represents a recent development in a extended court case targeting the inaccurate allegation that she was a man.
The couple have also filed a US lawsuit over false statements against a conservative podcaster who spread the theory.
The legal filing clarifies that the allegation is totally unfounded and points out that the individual referenced is really Brigitte Macron's sibling.
Trial Testimonies
In court, several defendants disputed the accusations.
- One defendant, holding a public position, stated he "never intended to cause harm" and described his social media content as satirical.
- Another defendant stated that his online activity were presented as "humor" and expressed concern that the case could undermine "free speech".
- Another individual said he shared content since he thought it was a worldwide topic with "impact on the nation".
Relationship Background
The baseless rumor regarding Brigitte Macron's gender circulated to some extent because their union has long been a topic of comment in digital spaces.
The first lady, being 24 years older than her husband, initially encountered Emmanuel Macron when serving as a instructor at the institution he attended.
Their relationship developed through drama activities, and they entered into marriage in the following year, after Brigitte Macron's marriage dissolution.
She concluded her account by saying that the false claims have produced a "whirlwind that does not cease" for the first lady.