Inaccurate Claims on the Internet Harmed Brigitte Macron's Well-being, Daughter Testifies to the Tribunal
Brigitte Macron's daughter, Tiphaine Auzière, has told a tribunal in Paris that inaccurate assertions online—among them the groundless claim that she had a male birth identity—have negatively impacted her mother's quality of life.
Auzière, a legal professional, served as a testifier in the court case of 10 individuals accused of digital bullying directed at the first lady.
Impact on Daily Life
She explained that the first lady now is always concerned about her appearance, including the clothes she wears to how she stands, as a result of the concern that each snapshot might be manipulated to fuel negative campaigns.
"The consequence is that she always must be cautious to her clothing, her posture, irrespective of she's doing in her daily life," Auzière testified.
Those on Trial and Charges
The defendants, in that age range, are facing charges for online harassment. A few had limited online influence, while others were more prominent.
Every defendant is alleged to have spreading defamatory content about the first lady's identity. In certain cases, this extended to comparing the age gap with her husband to hurtful comparisons.
If convicted, they could receive as much as 24 months in jail.
Family Impact
Auzière, a daughter from her mother's first marriage, stated how the false claims have led to a "decline of her health" and a "worsening of her overall existence".
She testified, "Not a day goes by when an individual avoids discussing the issue to her."
Auzière highlighted the effects on her relatives, including the younger generation learning about false assertions like "She is deceptive" or "She is your grandfather".
"She has no idea how to end it," Auzière testified. "She holds no office, she never asked for public attention, and she is constantly experiencing these assaults."
Court Case Context
This case is the latest phase in a wider judicial fight addressing the inaccurate allegation that the first lady was a man.
The couple have initiated a case in America over false statements against a conservative podcaster who promoted the allegation.
The lawsuit asserts that the allegation is totally unfounded and identifies that the individual referenced is really Brigitte Macron's sibling.
Accused Individuals' Statements
During the trial, several defendants disputed the charges.
- A retired business owner, serving as a local official, stated he "never intended to cause harm" and described his posts as ironic.
- A fiction writer stated that his online activity were presented as "humor" and expressed concern that the case could undermine "freedom of expression".
- An art gallery owner said he disseminated information because he felt it was a global issue with "consequences for France".
Personal History
The false theory concerning the first lady's gender spread to some extent because the Macrons' relationship has often been a subject of discussion online.
She, being 24 years older than her husband, originally knew the future president when serving as a instructor at his secondary school.
Their bond evolved through theatrical projects, and they married in the following year, following Brigitte Macron's separation.
Auzière concluded her account by saying that the inaccurate allegations have caused a "storm that never stops" for her mother.