False Claims Online Negatively Impacted Brigitte Macron's Well-being, Child Informs Court
Brigitte Macron's child, Tiphaine Auzière, has told a tribunal in Paris that inaccurate assertions circulating on the internet—including the groundless claim that Brigitte Macron is transgender—have significantly harmed her mother's quality of life.
Auzière, a attorney, appeared as a witness in the trial of a group of defendants allegedly involved in internet-based abuse directed at the first lady.
Effects on Everyday Activities
Auzière stated that the first lady now worries constantly about how she looks, including her attire to the way she carries herself, due to the fear that any image may be misused to advance negative campaigns.
"The consequence is that she systematically needs to be careful to her clothing, how she holds herself, no matter what she's doing in day-to-day existence," Auzière testified.
Those on Trial and Allegations
Ten individuals, in that age range, are facing charges for internet-based bullying. A few had limited online influence, while the rest were more prominent.
Each one is accused of making malicious comments about the first lady's identity. For some, this involved comparing the age gap with her husband to offensive labels.
If convicted, they may be sentenced to a maximum of two years in jail.
Family Impact
She, one of three children from her mother's initial union, explained how the inaccurate allegations have resulted in a "decline of her well-being" and a "decline of her daily happiness".
She explained, "Hardly a day passes when someone does not talk these claims to her."
She pointed out the impact on loved ones, including the kids learning about hurtful comments like "Brigitte is deceptive" or "Your grandmother is actually a man".
"She has no idea how to stop it," Auzière testified. "She didn't run for election, she never asked for any of this, and she is constantly subjected to these attacks."
Legal Battle Context
This case represents a recent development in a broader legal battle against the baseless theory that she is male.
The couple have also filed a US lawsuit for defamation involving a political commentator who amplified the claim.
The legal filing states that the claim is entirely inaccurate and identifies that the name mentioned is in fact her sibling.
Trial Testimonies
Throughout the proceedings, some of the accused denied the charges.
- An individual, now a deputy mayor, claimed he "had no purpose to hurt anyone" and described his online statements as humorous.
- A well-known publicist claimed that his social media shares were intended as "satire" and highlighted apprehension that the case could undermine "the right to speak freely".
- Another individual explained he disseminated posts as he believed it was a global issue with "consequences for France".
Personal History
The baseless rumor about Brigitte Macron's sex circulated to some extent because their marriage has frequently been a subject of discussion in digital spaces.
Brigitte Macron, being 24 years older than the president, initially encountered the future president when serving as a instructor at the institution he attended.
The connection between them developed through the school's theatre programme, and they entered into marriage in 2007, following Brigitte Macron's divorce.
She wrapped up her statement by saying that the false claims have produced a "whirlwind that does not cease" for Brigitte Macron.