False Assertions Online Negatively Impacted Brigitte Macron's Well-being, Daughter Informs the Tribunal

Brigitte Macron's child, Tiphaine Auzière, informed a Paris court that false claims spread through social media—among them the unfounded rumor that the French first lady was born a man—have severely damaged her mother's personal well-being.

She, a 41-year-old lawyer, was called as a witness in the trial of ten people facing charges for digital bullying directed at her mother.

Impact on Personal Routine

She testified that the first lady now worries constantly about her appearance, including her attire to how she stands, because of the fear that every photograph may be manipulated to support hateful attacks.

"The outcome is that she always must be cautious to her outfits, her body language, regardless of she's doing in day-to-day existence," she informed the judges.

Accused Individuals and Accusations

Eight men and two women, aged 41 to 60, are facing charges for online harassment. Some had a small social media following, while the rest were better known.

Every defendant is accused of posting harmful statements about Brigitte Macron's identity. In certain cases, this involved linking the age gap with Emmanuel Macron to inappropriate terms.

Upon being found guilty, they could receive a maximum of two years in jail.

Consequences for Loved Ones

She, one of three children from Brigitte Macron's previous marriage, stated how the inaccurate allegations have caused a "deterioration of her well-being" and a "deterioration of her overall existence".

She explained, "Scarcely a day passes when someone avoids discussing this to her."

Auzière emphasized the impact on her relatives, including her grandchildren learning about hurtful comments like "She is not truthful" or "She was born male".

"She is unsure how to end it," she remarked. "She's not elected, she never asked for public attention, and she is permanently facing this abuse."

Legal Battle History

The legal proceedings is part of an ongoing effort in a wider judicial fight addressing the inaccurate allegation that the first lady is supposedly a man.

The Macrons have initiated a legal action in the United States over false statements against a conservative podcaster who amplified the allegation.

The legal filing clarifies that the claim is totally unfounded and notes that the person cited is in fact her brother.

Accused Individuals' Statements

In court, several defendants rejected the accusations.

• One defendant, now a deputy mayor, stated he "did not mean to hurt anyone" and referred to his online statements as ironic.
• Another defendant argued that his posts were intended as "humor" and voiced worry that the case could threaten "freedom of expression".
• Another individual explained he posted information since he thought it was a worldwide topic with "consequences for France".

Past Context

The baseless rumor regarding the first lady's sex gained traction partly because the Macrons' relationship has frequently been a topic of comment on the internet.

Brigitte Macron, aged 24 years older than the president, initially encountered Emmanuel Macron when she was a instructor at his secondary school.

Their bond developed through the school's theatre programme, and they married in 2007, subsequent to her separation.

Auzière finished her testimony by expressing that the false claims have created a "whirlwind that never stops" for Brigitte Macron.