False Claims on Social Media Harmed Brigitte Macron's Well-being, Daughter Informs Court
Brigitte Macron's daughter, Tiphaine Auzière, testified to a tribunal in Paris that inaccurate assertions online—such as the unfounded rumor that the French first lady had a male birth identity—have severely damaged her mother's daily existence.
Auzière, a legal professional, appeared as a testifier in the trial of 10 individuals accused of internet-based abuse directed at the first lady.
Impact on Daily Life
She stated that her mother now is always concerned about how she looks, including the clothes she wears to her posture, because of the fear that each snapshot may be misused to fuel malicious comments.
"The consequence is that she always needs to be careful to what she wears, her body language, regardless of she's doing in her daily life," she testified.
Accused Individuals and Allegations
The defendants, aged 41 to 60, are in court for online harassment. Several had modest digital reach, while the rest were more visible.
All is alleged to have posting harmful statements about Brigitte Macron's personal life. For some, this extended to linking her age difference with the French president to hurtful comparisons.
If convicted, they may be sentenced to as much as 24 months in incarceration.
Consequences for Loved Ones
She, a daughter from her mother's previous marriage, explained how the inaccurate allegations have led to a "deterioration of her health" and a "deterioration of her quality of life".
She explained, "Scarcely a day passes when a person does not talk these claims to her."
Auzière emphasized the effects on loved ones, such as the younger generation hearing false assertions like "Brigitte is lying" or "Your grandmother is actually a man".
"She has no idea how to stop it," Auzière remarked. "She didn't run for election, she didn't pursue any of this, and she is continually subjected to these attacks."
Legal Battle Context
This case is part of an ongoing effort in a broader legal battle addressing the false claim that Brigitte Macron was male.
The Macrons have initiated a US lawsuit alleging slander involving a political commentator who promoted the claim.
The case states that the accusation is completely false and identifies that the name mentioned is actually her sibling.
Accused Individuals' Statements
In court, some of the accused denied the allegations.
- One defendant, now a deputy mayor, asserted he "had no purpose to cause harm" and referred to his posts as satirical.
- A well-known publicist stated that his online activity were meant to be "satire" and highlighted apprehension that the case could endanger "freedom of expression".
- A third defendant testified he posted content as he believed it was a worldwide topic with "implications for the country".
Past Context
The false theory about Brigitte Macron's sex circulated in part because the Macrons' relationship has frequently been a subject of discussion online.
The first lady, being significantly older than her husband, initially encountered him when serving as a teacher at the institution he attended.
Their bond grew through theatrical projects, and they entered into marriage in 2007, after Brigitte Macron's separation.
Auzière wrapped up her account by expressing that the inaccurate allegations have produced a "whirlwind that never stops" for Brigitte Macron.