Inaccurate Claims on Social Media Damaged Brigitte Macron's Quality of Life, Child Tells Judges

Brigitte Macron's child, Tiphaine Auzière, has told a Paris court that misleading allegations circulating on the internet—such as the groundless claim that the French first lady is transgender—have negatively impacted her mother's daily existence.

Auzière, a 41-year-old lawyer, appeared as a witness in the legal proceedings of 10 individuals accused of online harassment against Brigitte Macron.

Impact on Personal Routine

She stated that Brigitte Macron now is always concerned about her demeanor, including her fashion choices to how she stands, because of the fear that any image may be manipulated to fuel negative campaigns.

"The consequence is that she constantly needs to be careful to her clothing, her posture, regardless of she's doing in her daily life," she informed the judges.

Defendants and Accusations

Ten individuals, in that age range, are on trial for digital abuse. A few had limited online influence, while others were more prominent.

Each one is charged with making malicious comments about Brigitte Macron's identity. For some, this included linking her age difference with the French president to hurtful comparisons.

Upon being found guilty, they face up to two years in prison.

Consequences for Loved Ones

She, one of three children from Brigitte Macron's first marriage, stated how the baseless rumors have led to a "decline of her physical state" and a "worsening of her overall existence".

She testified, "Not a day passes when someone avoids discussing these claims to her."

She highlighted the impact on loved ones, for example her grandchildren being exposed to malicious statements like "Your grandmother is not truthful" or "She was born male".

"She does not know what to do about it," she remarked. "She's not elected, she didn't pursue anything, and she is permanently subjected to these attacks."

Legal Battle Background

This case is the latest phase in a broader legal battle against the baseless theory that she is supposedly male.

They have initiated a legal action in the United States over false statements involving a political commentator who amplified the theory.

The case clarifies that the accusation is completely false and notes that the individual referenced is really Brigitte Macron's sibling.

Defendants' Responses

Throughout the proceedings, some of the accused disputed the accusations.

• A retired business owner, serving as a local official, claimed he "had no purpose to cause harm" and referred to his online statements as humorous.
• A fiction writer stated that his posts were meant to be "satire" and highlighted apprehension that the trial could threaten "free speech".
• An art gallery owner testified he shared information because he felt it was a global issue with "impact on the nation".

Past Context

The false theory regarding Brigitte Macron's gender spread to some extent because the Macrons' relationship has long been a point of interest online.

She, aged 24 years older than Emmanuel Macron, originally knew the future president when she was a teacher at the institution he attended.

Their bond developed through theatrical projects, and they entered into marriage in the following year, following Brigitte Macron's marriage dissolution.

She wrapped up her account by expressing that the false claims have produced a "whirlwind that continues endlessly" for her mother.