Misleading Allegations on Social Media Harmed Brigitte Macron's Well-being, Child Tells Court
The French first lady's daughter, Tiphaine Auzière, has told a Paris court that false claims online—including the unfounded rumor that the French first lady is transgender—have negatively impacted her mother's daily existence.
She, a legal professional, was called as a testifier in the trial of a group of defendants allegedly involved in digital bullying against her mother.
Consequences on Personal Routine
Auzière stated that Brigitte Macron now is always concerned about her demeanor, including her fashion choices to her posture, due to the concern that every photograph might be misused to support negative campaigns.
"The result is that she always needs to be careful to her outfits, her posture, irrespective of her activities in her daily life," Auzière testified.
Accused Individuals and Allegations
The defendants, between 41 and 60 years old, are in court for digital abuse. Some had limited online influence, while several more were more visible.
Every defendant is alleged to have making malicious comments about Brigitte Macron's identity. In certain cases, this included equating her age difference with the French president to hurtful comparisons.
Upon being found guilty, they may be sentenced to up to two years in incarceration.
Consequences for Loved Ones
She, one of three children from Brigitte Macron's initial union, explained how the false claims have resulted in a "deterioration of her health" and a "worsening of her quality of life".
She explained, "Scarcely a day passes when an individual avoids discussing these claims to her."
Auzière emphasized the repercussions on loved ones, such as the younger generation being exposed to malicious statements like "Your grandmother is lying" or "Your grandmother is your grandfather".
"She does not know how to end it," Auzière testified. "She holds no office, she never asked for any of this, and she is constantly subjected to these assaults."
Legal Battle History
The legal proceedings represents a recent development in a extended court case addressing the baseless theory that the first lady was male.
They have pursued a case in America alleging slander involving a conservative podcaster who amplified the theory.
The lawsuit clarifies that the accusation is completely false and identifies that the person cited is in fact her sibling.
Trial Testimonies
Throughout the proceedings, some of the accused disputed the allegations.
- A retired business owner, now a deputy mayor, asserted he "did not mean to inflict damage" and described his online statements as humorous.
- A fiction writer argued that his online activity were intended as "irony" and expressed concern that the trial could undermine "free speech".
- Another individual explained he shared information because he felt it was an international matter with "implications for the country".
Past Context
The false theory regarding the first lady's identity circulated in part because their marriage has often been a topic of comment in digital spaces.
She, aged 24 years older than Emmanuel Macron, first met Emmanuel Macron when working as a teacher at his secondary school.
Their bond evolved through drama activities, and they entered into marriage in the following year, after her divorce.
She finished her testimony by saying that the inaccurate allegations have produced a "storm that does not cease" for Brigitte Macron.