Inaccurate Allegations on the Internet Damaged Brigitte Macron's Well-being, Daughter Tells the Tribunal

Brigitte Macron's child, Tiphaine Auzière, informed a Paris court that misleading allegations online—including the groundless claim that Brigitte Macron is transgender—have significantly harmed her mother's daily existence.

She, a 41-year-old lawyer, was called as a witness in the legal proceedings of ten people accused of internet-based abuse targeting Brigitte Macron.

Impact on Personal Routine

Auzière explained that Brigitte Macron now feels perpetual anxiety about her demeanor, including the clothes she wears to her posture, because of the concern that each snapshot might be misused to support negative campaigns.

"The outcome is that she constantly needs to be careful to what she wears, her body language, regardless of her activities in everyday routine," Auzière told the court.

Accused Individuals and Allegations

Ten individuals, between 41 and 60 years old, are facing charges for online harassment. Some had modest digital reach, while the rest were more prominent.

Each one is alleged to have making malicious comments about Brigitte Macron's personal life. For some, this involved equating the disparity in years with the French president to hurtful comparisons.

Upon being found guilty, they may be sentenced to up to two years in incarceration.

Consequences for Loved Ones

Auzière, one of three children from her mother's first marriage, explained how the baseless rumors have led to a "decline of her physical state" and a "worsening of her daily happiness".

She explained, "Scarcely a day passes when an individual avoids discussing the issue to her."

She pointed out the impact on the family, such as her grandchildren being exposed to false assertions like "Your grandmother is deceptive" or "She was born male".

"She is unsure how to stop it," Auzière remarked. "She didn't run for election, she didn't pursue anything, and she is constantly subjected to this abuse."

Court Case Context

This case is part of an ongoing effort in a broader legal battle targeting the inaccurate allegation that the first lady was a man.

The Macrons have pursued a legal action in the United States for defamation involving a political commentator who spread the theory.

The case states that the claim is entirely inaccurate and points out that the person cited is really Brigitte Macron's older brother.

Defendants' Responses

During the trial, some of the accused disputed the allegations.

• A retired business owner, now a deputy mayor, claimed he "never intended to hurt anyone" and described his posts as ironic.
• Another defendant stated that his online activity were intended as "satire" and voiced worry that the legal action could endanger "freedom of expression".
• Another individual testified he shared information since he thought it was a global issue with "consequences for France".

Relationship Background

The inaccurate claim about the first lady's gender gained traction in part because their union has frequently been a point of interest on the internet.

The first lady, aged two decades older than the president, initially encountered him when working as a teacher at the institution he attended.

Their relationship evolved through the school's theatre programme, and they entered into marriage in 2007, following Brigitte Macron's separation.

Auzière concluded her account by saying that the false claims have created a "whirlwind that continues endlessly" for her mother.