Misleading Allegations Online Negatively Impacted Brigitte Macron's Daily Life, Daughter Tells Court
Brigitte Macron's daughter, Tiphaine Auzière, has told a Paris court that inaccurate assertions circulating on the internet—such as the baseless theory that Brigitte Macron had a male birth identity—have severely damaged her mother's daily existence.
She, a attorney, served as a testifier in the trial of 10 individuals accused of digital bullying against her mother.
Consequences on Personal Routine
Auzière testified that the first lady now feels perpetual anxiety about her appearance, such as her fashion choices to the way she carries herself, as a result of the apprehension that any image could be misused to advance hateful attacks.
"The consequence is that she systematically has to pay attention to her clothing, how she holds herself, regardless of her activities in everyday routine," Auzière informed the judges.
Accused Individuals and Accusations
Ten individuals, in that age range, are in court for internet-based bullying. A few had a small social media following, while the rest were more prominent.
Every defendant is charged with spreading defamatory content about Brigitte Macron's identity. For some, this extended to linking the disparity in years with Emmanuel Macron to hurtful comparisons.
Upon being found guilty, they may be sentenced to a maximum of two years in jail.
Effect on Relatives
Auzière, a family member from Brigitte Macron's previous marriage, described how the baseless rumors have led to a "decline of her well-being" and a "deterioration of her quality of life".
She testified, "Hardly a day passes when a person fails to mention these claims to her."
Auzière pointed out the repercussions on the family, including the kids being exposed to false assertions like "She is not truthful" or "Your grandmother was born male".
"She does not know how to stop it," she testified. "She didn't run for election, she didn't pursue anything, and she is permanently experiencing these assaults."
Court Case Context
This case is part of an ongoing effort in a wider judicial fight targeting the baseless theory that the first lady was transgender.
The Macrons have initiated a case in America for defamation involving a media personality who amplified the claim.
The legal filing clarifies that the allegation is totally unfounded and identifies that the individual referenced is in fact Brigitte Macron's sibling.
Trial Testimonies
In court, some of the accused denied the charges.
- An individual, holding a public position, stated he "never intended to cause harm" and referred to his online statements as satirical.
- A well-known publicist argued that his online activity were intended as "irony" and highlighted apprehension that the legal action could threaten "free speech".
- A third defendant testified he shared posts because he felt it was a worldwide topic with "consequences for France".
Past Context
The inaccurate claim concerning Brigitte Macron's sex gained traction in part because their marriage has often been a point of interest on the internet.
The first lady, aged two decades older than her husband, initially encountered Emmanuel Macron when serving as a instructor at his secondary school.
Their bond evolved through the school's theatre programme, and they entered into marriage in 2007, after her divorce.
She concluded her account by saying that the false claims have created a "whirlwind that continues endlessly" for Brigitte Macron.