Inaccurate Claims on Social Media Negatively Impacted Brigitte Macron's Daily Life, Daughter Tells the Tribunal
The French first lady's child, Tiphaine Auzière, testified to a tribunal in Paris that misleading allegations online—such as the groundless claim that Brigitte Macron is transgender—have severely damaged her mother's quality of life.
Auzière, a legal professional, served as a witness in the trial of 10 individuals facing charges for online harassment directed at Brigitte Macron.
Impact on Daily Life
She testified that the first lady now worries constantly about how she looks, such as the clothes she wears to her posture, as a result of the concern that each snapshot could be distorted to advance malicious comments.
"The result is that she systematically needs to be careful to her clothing, how she holds herself, regardless of she's doing in day-to-day existence," she testified.
Defendants and Allegations
Eight men and two women, between 41 and 60 years old, are facing charges for digital abuse. Several had limited online influence, while the rest were more visible.
All is alleged to have posting harmful statements about the first lady's gender and sexuality. In certain cases, this included equating the disparity in years with Emmanuel Macron to hurtful comparisons.
If found responsible, they could receive up to two years in jail.
Effect on Relatives
She, a daughter from Brigitte Macron's initial union, stated how the false claims have caused a "worsening of her health" and a "deterioration of her quality of life".
She said, "Hardly a day passes when an individual does not talk this to her."
She pointed out the repercussions on loved ones, including her grandchildren learning about hurtful comments like "Brigitte is deceptive" or "She is your grandfather".
"She is unsure what to do about it," Auzière remarked. "She holds no office, she never asked for anything, and she is permanently subjected to this abuse."
Legal Battle Background
The legal proceedings is part of an ongoing effort in a wider judicial fight addressing the inaccurate allegation that Brigitte Macron is a man.
They have initiated a case in America for defamation targeting a conservative podcaster who promoted the allegation.
The lawsuit asserts that the allegation is totally unfounded and points out that the name mentioned is really Brigitte Macron's brother.
Trial Testimonies
In court, several defendants disputed the allegations.
- A retired business owner, serving as a local official, claimed he "had no purpose to cause harm" and referred to his online statements as satirical.
- A fiction writer stated that his posts were intended as "humor" and highlighted apprehension that the case could undermine "freedom of expression".
- An art gallery owner testified he posted information as he believed it was a global issue with "consequences for France".
Personal History
The false theory concerning Brigitte Macron's identity spread to some extent because the Macrons' relationship has long been a point of interest online.
Brigitte Macron, aged significantly older than Emmanuel Macron, first met the future president when she was a instructor at his secondary school.
The connection between them evolved through drama activities, and they married in 2007, after Brigitte Macron's marriage dissolution.
She finished her account by saying that the false claims have caused a "chaos that continues endlessly" for the first lady.
