Misleading Allegations on Social Media Negatively Impacted Brigitte Macron's Quality of Life, Child Tells Court
Brigitte Macron's daughter, Tiphaine Auzière, informed a judicial body in Paris that false claims spread through social media—including the groundless claim that she is transgender—have severely damaged her mother's personal well-being.
Auzière, a 41-year-old lawyer, served as a testifier in the trial of 10 individuals facing charges for online harassment against Brigitte Macron.
Impact on Daily Life
Auzière stated that her mother now feels perpetual anxiety about her appearance, from the clothes she wears to how she stands, because of the concern that each snapshot could be misused to fuel negative campaigns.
"The outcome is that she systematically must be cautious to her clothing, how she holds herself, irrespective of she's doing in day-to-day existence," she testified.
Those on Trial and Allegations
Ten individuals, between 41 and 60 years old, are on trial for online harassment. Some had modest digital reach, while the rest were more prominent.
Each one is accused of spreading defamatory content about the first lady's gender and sexuality. Among them, this extended to linking her age difference with the French president to inappropriate terms.
If found responsible, they face up to two years in prison.
Consequences for Loved Ones
She, one of three children from Brigitte Macron's first marriage, explained how the inaccurate allegations have caused a "decline of her well-being" and a "deterioration of her daily happiness".
She said, "Scarcely a day passes when someone fails to mention this to her."
She pointed out the impact on her relatives, such as the younger generation hearing false assertions like "Brigitte is lying" or "She was born male".
"She is unsure how to end it," she remarked. "She didn't run for election, she never asked for anything, and she is constantly subjected to these attacks."
Legal Battle Background
The Paris trial is part of an ongoing effort in a broader legal battle against the false claim that she is supposedly a man.
The Macrons have also filed a case in America alleging slander against a media personality who promoted the allegation.
The legal filing clarifies that the allegation is totally unfounded and points out that the individual referenced is in fact Brigitte Macron's older brother.
Trial Testimonies
Throughout the proceedings, several defendants rejected the accusations.
- A retired business owner, holding a public position, stated he "had no purpose to hurt anyone" and described his posts as ironic.
- A well-known publicist claimed that his posts were intended as "satire" and highlighted apprehension that the case could undermine "freedom of expression".
- A third defendant said he shared content as he believed it was an international matter with "impact on the nation".
Personal History
The baseless rumor concerning Brigitte Macron's identity circulated partly because their marriage has long been a point of interest online.
The first lady, who is significantly older than Emmanuel Macron, first met Emmanuel Macron when serving as a instructor at the institution he attended.
The connection between them evolved through theatrical projects, and they wed in the following year, after Brigitte Macron's marriage dissolution.
She wrapped up her statement by expressing that the false claims have caused a "whirlwind that does not cease" for her mother.