False Allegations Online Harmed Brigitte Macron's Quality of Life, Daughter Tells Judges
Brigitte Macron's daughter, Tiphaine Auzière, testified to a Paris court that false claims circulating on the internet—including the unfounded rumor that the French first lady had a male birth identity—have significantly harmed her mother's quality of life.
Auzière, a attorney, served as a testifier in the trial of 10 individuals allegedly involved in internet-based abuse against Brigitte Macron.
Effects on Daily Life
She testified that Brigitte Macron now is always concerned about how she looks, such as the clothes she wears to her posture, because of the fear that any image could be distorted to support negative campaigns.
"The outcome is that she constantly has to pay attention to her outfits, how she holds herself, regardless of her actions in everyday routine," Auzière told the court.
Accused Individuals and Allegations
Eight men and two women, aged 41 to 60, are facing charges for digital abuse. A few had limited online influence, while the rest were more prominent.
Every defendant is charged with posting harmful statements about Brigitte Macron's identity. For some, this involved equating the age gap with Emmanuel Macron to hurtful comparisons.
If found responsible, they face a maximum of two years in incarceration.
Consequences for Loved Ones
She, one of three children from her mother's previous marriage, stated how the inaccurate allegations have resulted in a "deterioration of her physical state" and a "decline of her daily happiness".
She testified, "Not a day passes when a person fails to mention this to her."
Auzière highlighted the effects on loved ones, including the younger generation being exposed to malicious statements like "She is deceptive" or "Your grandmother is your grandfather".
"She does not know how to stop it," she testified. "She holds no office, she never asked for any of this, and she is continually experiencing this abuse."
Court Case Background
The legal proceedings is part of an ongoing effort in a extended court case addressing the baseless theory that she is male.
They have also filed a US lawsuit alleging slander targeting a conservative podcaster who promoted the claim.
The legal filing states that the accusation is entirely inaccurate and identifies that the individual referenced is actually Brigitte Macron's brother.
Defendants' Responses
During the trial, a few individuals disputed the charges.
- One defendant, holding a public position, asserted he "had no purpose to inflict damage" and referred to his online statements as satirical.
- A fiction writer argued that his social media shares were intended as "irony" and voiced worry that the case could threaten "the right to speak freely".
- An art gallery owner said he disseminated content since he thought it was an international matter with "impact on the nation".
Relationship Background
The false theory regarding Brigitte Macron's gender gained traction to some extent because their union has often been a subject of discussion on the internet.
Brigitte Macron, aged significantly older than the president, originally knew the future president when she was a educator at the institution he attended.
Their relationship grew through the school's theatre programme, and they entered into marriage in 2007, following her divorce.
She concluded her statement by stating that the false claims have produced a "whirlwind that does not cease" for Brigitte Macron.