Misleading Claims Online Negatively Impacted Brigitte Macron's Daily Life, Child Tells Court
The French first lady's daughter, Tiphaine Auzière, has told a judicial body in Paris that inaccurate assertions spread through social media—such as the baseless theory that the French first lady is transgender—have negatively impacted her mother's personal well-being.
She, a 41-year-old lawyer, was called as a testifier in the trial of 10 individuals allegedly involved in digital bullying against her mother.
Consequences on Daily Life
She testified that the first lady now worries constantly about her demeanor, such as her attire to her posture, because of the apprehension that each snapshot could be misused to fuel negative campaigns.
"The outcome is that she always has to pay attention to her clothing, how she holds herself, regardless of her activities in her daily life," Auzière testified.
Defendants and Allegations
Ten individuals, in that age range, are in court for online harassment. Some had a small social media following, while others were more prominent.
Every defendant is accused of making malicious comments about Brigitte Macron's gender and sexuality. Among them, this extended to comparing the age gap with Emmanuel Macron to inappropriate terms.
Upon being found guilty, they face as much as 24 months in incarceration.
Family Impact
She, a daughter from her mother's initial union, described how the inaccurate allegations have caused a "deterioration of her health" and a "worsening of her daily happiness".
She testified, "Scarcely a day passes when an individual fails to mention this to her."
She emphasized the effects on her relatives, for example her grandchildren learning about false assertions like "She is lying" or "Your grandmother is actually a man".
"She is unsure how to stop it," Auzière stated. "She didn't run for election, she never asked for anything, and she is continually subjected to these assaults."
Legal Battle Context
The legal proceedings represents a recent development in a wider judicial fight against the false claim that the first lady is supposedly male.
The Macrons have also filed a legal action in the United States alleging slander targeting a media personality who promoted the allegation.
The lawsuit states that the allegation is totally unfounded and identifies that the name mentioned is in fact her older brother.
Accused Individuals' Statements
In court, several defendants denied the allegations.
- An individual, now a deputy mayor, claimed he "never intended to inflict damage" and described his online statements as humorous.
- A fiction writer claimed that his social media shares were presented as "irony" and voiced worry that the legal action could endanger "free speech".
- An art gallery owner testified he posted information because he felt it was a worldwide topic with "consequences for France".
Personal History
The baseless rumor regarding Brigitte Macron's sex circulated to some extent because their union has frequently been a topic of comment in digital spaces.
Brigitte Macron, aged significantly older than her husband, first met the future president when serving as a instructor at his school.
Their bond evolved through theatrical projects, and they wed in 2007, subsequent to her marriage dissolution.
Auzière concluded her testimony by stating that the false claims have caused a "chaos that does not cease" for her mother.