False Assertions on the Internet Harmed Brigitte Macron's Well-being, Daughter Tells the Tribunal
Brigitte Macron's child, Tiphaine Auzière, informed a judicial body in Paris that false claims spread through social media—such as the unfounded rumor that the French first lady was born a man—have negatively impacted her mother's quality of life.
Auzière, a attorney, served as a witness in the court case of 10 individuals facing charges for online harassment directed at her mother.
Impact on Daily Life
She testified that Brigitte Macron now worries constantly about her appearance, including her fashion choices to how she stands, as a result of the apprehension that each snapshot may be misused to fuel malicious comments.
"The outcome is that she constantly must be cautious to what she wears, her body language, no matter what she's doing in her daily life," she informed the judges.
Defendants and Allegations
Ten individuals, aged 41 to 60, are facing charges for online harassment. Some had a small social media following, while the rest were more prominent.
Every defendant is alleged to have posting harmful statements about the first lady's personal life. In certain cases, this extended to equating the age gap with the French president to inappropriate terms.
If found responsible, they may be sentenced to up to two years in incarceration.
Consequences for Loved Ones
She, a family member from Brigitte Macron's first marriage, explained how the baseless rumors have resulted in a "decline of her physical state" and a "deterioration of her overall existence".
She testified, "Scarcely a day goes by when a person fails to mention the issue to her."
Auzière pointed out the effects on her relatives, including the kids learning about malicious statements like "Your grandmother is lying" or "She is actually a man".
"She does not know how to stop it," Auzière remarked. "She didn't run for election, she didn't pursue any of this, and she is permanently subjected to these attacks."
Legal Battle History
The Paris trial represents a recent development in a wider judicial fight addressing the false claim that Brigitte Macron was male.
They have initiated a US lawsuit over false statements targeting a media personality who promoted the claim.
The case clarifies that the allegation is entirely inaccurate and points out that the individual referenced is actually her brother.
Defendants' Responses
In court, some of the accused rejected the allegations.
- A retired business owner, serving as a local official, claimed he "did not mean to inflict damage" and described his social media content as satirical.
- A well-known publicist claimed that his social media shares were intended as "irony" and voiced worry that the trial could undermine "the right to speak freely".
- A third defendant explained he shared content since he thought it was a worldwide topic with "consequences for France".
Personal History
The baseless rumor regarding Brigitte Macron's identity spread to some extent because the Macrons' relationship has often been a point of interest online.
She, aged significantly older than Emmanuel Macron, originally knew the future president when serving as a teacher at his school.
The connection between them grew through the school's theatre programme, and they entered into marriage in the following year, after her marriage dissolution.
Auzière concluded her testimony by saying that the false claims have created a "whirlwind that never stops" for her mother.