Misleading Assertions on the Internet Harmed Brigitte Macron's Quality of Life, Child Tells Court
Brigitte Macron's daughter, Tiphaine Auzière, testified to a Paris court that misleading allegations online—among them the unfounded rumor that she is transgender—have significantly harmed her mother's daily existence.
She, a 41-year-old lawyer, served as a testifier in the court case of ten people facing charges for internet-based abuse targeting her mother.
Consequences on Everyday Activities
She stated that Brigitte Macron now feels perpetual anxiety about how she looks, such as the clothes she wears to how she stands, because of the apprehension that any image could be misused to support hateful attacks.
"The outcome is that she constantly must be cautious to her clothing, her posture, no matter what her actions in her daily life," she told the court.
Those on Trial and Charges
Eight men and two women, aged 41 to 60, are on trial for internet-based bullying. Some had modest digital reach, while several more were better known.
Every defendant is alleged to have posting harmful statements about the first lady's identity. For some, this extended to linking the disparity in years with her husband to inappropriate terms.
If convicted, they face a maximum of two years in jail.
Consequences for Loved Ones
She, a family member from her mother's first marriage, described how the baseless rumors have caused a "decline of her physical state" and a "deterioration of her quality of life".
She said, "Not a day passes when a person avoids discussing this to her."
She highlighted the effects on her relatives, including the younger generation hearing false assertions like "Your grandmother is lying" or "Your grandmother was born male".
"She has no idea how to end it," Auzière stated. "She didn't run for election, she didn't pursue any of this, and she is continually facing these assaults."
Judicial Proceedings Context
The legal proceedings is the latest phase in a broader legal battle targeting the false claim that Brigitte Macron is supposedly a man.
The couple have also filed a legal action in the United States over false statements targeting a political commentator who amplified the claim.
The case states that the accusation is totally unfounded and notes that the person cited is really Brigitte Macron's sibling.
Defendants' Responses
During the trial, a few individuals disputed the accusations.
- A retired business owner, now a deputy mayor, stated he "did not mean to cause harm" and referred to his social media content as ironic.
- A fiction writer argued that his social media shares were intended as "satire" and expressed concern that the trial could undermine "free speech".
- A third defendant said he disseminated posts because he felt it was a global issue with "impact on the nation".
Relationship Background
The inaccurate claim concerning Brigitte Macron's identity spread in part because their union has often been a point of interest online.
Brigitte Macron, aged 24 years older than her husband, first met him when she was a instructor at his secondary school.
Their bond grew through theatrical projects, and they married in the following year, subsequent to her separation.
She finished her account by saying that the baseless rumors have produced a "chaos that never stops" for Brigitte Macron.