Misleading Assertions Online Damaged Brigitte Macron's Quality of Life, Child Informs the Tribunal
The French first lady's daughter, Tiphaine Auzière, has told a Paris court that misleading allegations online—among them the baseless theory that she had a male birth identity—have negatively impacted her mother's daily existence.
Auzière, a legal professional, appeared as a testifier in the court case of a group of defendants allegedly involved in internet-based abuse directed at the first lady.
Consequences on Personal Routine
She testified that her mother now worries constantly about her demeanor, such as the clothes she wears to how she stands, because of the fear that each snapshot could be distorted to advance negative campaigns.
"The outcome is that she systematically must be cautious to her outfits, her body language, no matter what her actions in everyday routine," she testified.
Accused Individuals and Accusations
Ten individuals, in that age range, are facing charges for digital abuse. A few had limited online influence, while several more were more prominent.
Each one is alleged to have posting harmful statements about the first lady's gender and sexuality. Among them, this involved linking her age difference with her husband to inappropriate terms.
If found responsible, they face a maximum of two years in incarceration.
Consequences for Loved Ones
Auzière, one of three children from Brigitte Macron's first marriage, described how the inaccurate allegations have caused a "decline of her well-being" and a "decline of her overall existence".
She testified, "Hardly a day goes by when an individual avoids discussing the issue to her."
She pointed out the effects on loved ones, such as the younger generation learning about false assertions like "Your grandmother is not truthful" or "She is your grandfather".
"She has no idea what to do about it," Auzière stated. "She's not elected, she didn't pursue public attention, and she is permanently facing these attacks."
Court Case Context
The legal proceedings is the latest phase in a broader legal battle against the false claim that the first lady was transgender.
The Macrons have initiated a legal action in the United States for defamation against a political commentator who promoted the theory.
The legal filing states that the allegation is entirely inaccurate and notes that the name mentioned is actually her older brother.
Trial Testimonies
In court, some of the accused disputed the allegations.
- One defendant, holding a public position, claimed he "had no purpose to hurt anyone" and referred to his social media content as ironic.
- A fiction writer stated that his social media shares were intended as "humor" and highlighted apprehension that the case could undermine "freedom of expression".
- A third defendant testified he posted posts as he believed it was a global issue with "impact on the nation".
Personal History
The inaccurate claim concerning Brigitte Macron's identity spread in part because their union has frequently been a topic of comment online.
The first lady, aged 24 years older than the president, originally knew Emmanuel Macron when serving as a educator at his secondary school.
Their bond evolved through drama activities, and they married in 2007, subsequent to her divorce.
Auzière concluded her account by stating that the inaccurate allegations have caused a "chaos that does not cease" for the first lady.