Misleading Allegations on the Internet Damaged Brigitte Macron's Quality of Life, Daughter Testifies to the Tribunal
The French first lady's daughter, Tiphaine Auzière, has told a judicial body in Paris that false claims spread through social media—including the baseless theory that the French first lady was born a man—have negatively impacted her mother's daily existence.
Auzière, a 41-year-old lawyer, was called as a testifier in the court case of ten people accused of internet-based abuse against Brigitte Macron.
Impact on Personal Routine
She stated that her mother now feels perpetual anxiety about how she looks, such as her fashion choices to her posture, because of the apprehension that each snapshot could be misused to advance negative campaigns.
"The result is that she constantly must be cautious to her clothing, her body language, no matter what her activities in everyday routine," Auzière informed the judges.
Defendants and Charges
Eight men and two women, between 41 and 60 years old, are in court for internet-based bullying. Several had a small social media following, while others were better known.
Every defendant is accused of spreading defamatory content about Brigitte Macron's gender and sexuality. Among them, this included linking the disparity in years with the French president to offensive labels.
If convicted, they face a maximum of two years in prison.
Effect on Relatives
Auzière, a family member from her mother's previous marriage, described how the false claims have caused a "worsening of her health" and a "deterioration of her daily happiness".
She said, "Hardly a day goes by when an individual avoids discussing this to her."
She highlighted the impact on the family, for example the kids learning about malicious statements like "Brigitte is not truthful" or "She is actually a man".
"She is unsure how to end it," Auzière testified. "She's not elected, she never asked for public attention, and she is permanently experiencing these attacks."
Court Case History
The Paris trial is the latest phase in a broader legal battle addressing the inaccurate allegation that she was transgender.
They have pursued a US lawsuit for defamation involving a media personality who promoted the allegation.
The case states that the accusation is entirely inaccurate and points out that the individual referenced is actually her brother.
Defendants' Responses
During the trial, a few individuals disputed the allegations.
- One defendant, holding a public position, claimed he "had no purpose to inflict damage" and described his social media content as humorous.
- A well-known publicist stated that his online activity were presented as "humor" and voiced worry that the legal action could threaten "the right to speak freely".
- An art gallery owner explained he posted posts since he thought it was a worldwide topic with "consequences for France".
Personal History
The baseless rumor concerning Brigitte Macron's gender circulated in part because their union has often been a point of interest in digital spaces.
She, aged 24 years older than her husband, first met the future president when serving as a teacher at his secondary school.
Their bond evolved through the school's theatre programme, and they wed in the following year, subsequent to Brigitte Macron's marriage dissolution.
Auzière wrapped up her testimony by expressing that the baseless rumors have caused a "chaos that continues endlessly" for her mother.