Misleading Assertions Online Harmed Brigitte Macron's Well-being, Daughter Testifies to the Tribunal

The French first lady's child, Tiphaine Auzière, has told a judicial body in Paris that inaccurate assertions online—such as the baseless theory that the French first lady had a male birth identity—have significantly harmed her mother's personal well-being.

She, a attorney, served as a witness in the legal proceedings of ten people allegedly involved in digital bullying targeting the first lady.

Effects on Personal Routine

She stated that the first lady now worries constantly about her appearance, such as the clothes she wears to the way she carries herself, as a result of the fear that every photograph could be misused to support hateful attacks.

"The consequence is that she always has to pay attention to her outfits, her posture, irrespective of her activities in everyday routine," Auzière testified.

Defendants and Allegations

Ten individuals, between 41 and 60 years old, are facing charges for digital abuse. Some had modest digital reach, while several more were more visible.

All is accused of posting harmful statements about Brigitte Macron's personal life. For some, this involved equating the disparity in years with Emmanuel Macron to inappropriate terms.

Upon being found guilty, they may be sentenced to a maximum of two years in incarceration.

Effect on Relatives

Auzière, a daughter from her mother's previous marriage, stated how the false claims have led to a "deterioration of her health" and a "decline of her quality of life".

She testified, "Hardly a day goes by when an individual does not talk the issue to her."

She pointed out the repercussions on her relatives, such as the kids hearing malicious statements like "Your grandmother is lying" or "She is actually a man".

"She has no idea how to stop it," she remarked. "She holds no office, she has not sought any of this, and she is continually subjected to these assaults."

Court Case Background

The legal proceedings is the latest phase in a wider judicial fight targeting the false claim that Brigitte Macron was male.

The Macrons have also filed a US lawsuit for defamation against a media personality who spread the allegation.

The legal filing states that the allegation is completely false and identifies that the individual referenced is in fact Brigitte Macron's sibling.

Defendants' Responses

During the trial, several defendants denied the accusations.

• One defendant, serving as a local official, asserted he "did not mean to cause harm" and referred to his social media content as ironic.
• A well-known publicist argued that his social media shares were meant to be "satire" and highlighted apprehension that the trial could endanger "freedom of expression".
• An art gallery owner explained he posted content as he believed it was a global issue with "consequences for France".

Relationship Background

The inaccurate claim concerning Brigitte Macron's gender gained traction in part because their marriage has frequently been a point of interest online.

The first lady, aged significantly older than the president, originally knew Emmanuel Macron when she was a instructor at his secondary school.

Their bond evolved through drama activities, and they married in that year, subsequent to her separation.

Auzière concluded her account by expressing that the baseless rumors have produced a "whirlwind that never stops" for the first lady.