False Allegations on the Internet Damaged Brigitte Macron's Well-being, Daughter Informs Judges

The French first lady's child, Tiphaine Auzière, has told a Paris court that inaccurate assertions circulating on the internet—including the baseless theory that she had a male birth identity—have negatively impacted her mother's personal well-being.

Auzière, a attorney, served as a witness in the court case of a group of defendants accused of internet-based abuse against Brigitte Macron.

Impact on Everyday Activities

She explained that her mother now is always concerned about her appearance, including her attire to her posture, due to the fear that any image may be misused to fuel malicious comments.

"The outcome is that she systematically needs to be careful to her outfits, her body language, regardless of her activities in her daily life," she testified.

Defendants and Charges

Ten individuals, in that age range, are facing charges for online harassment. Several had modest digital reach, while the rest were more visible.

All is charged with making malicious comments about the first lady's gender and sexuality. In certain cases, this involved equating the age gap with the French president to inappropriate terms.

If found responsible, they could receive a maximum of two years in jail.

Effect on Relatives

Auzière, a family member from her mother's initial union, stated how the false claims have resulted in a "deterioration of her physical state" and a "decline of her overall existence".

She explained, "Scarcely a day goes by when someone fails to mention the issue to her."

Auzière highlighted the impact on the family, such as her grandchildren being exposed to false assertions like "Your grandmother is not truthful" or "Your grandmother is your grandfather".

"She is unsure how to stop it," she remarked. "She didn't run for election, she never asked for public attention, and she is continually experiencing this abuse."

Court Case History

This case is part of an ongoing effort in a wider judicial fight addressing the baseless theory that she was transgender.

They have initiated a legal action in the United States for defamation involving a political commentator who spread the claim.

The lawsuit asserts that the accusation is completely false and identifies that the name mentioned is actually Brigitte Macron's older brother.

Defendants' Responses

In court, some of the accused disputed the accusations.

• An individual, holding a public position, claimed he "did not mean to hurt anyone" and referred to his posts as humorous.
• A well-known publicist stated that his social media shares were presented as "humor" and highlighted apprehension that the trial could undermine "freedom of expression".
• An art gallery owner explained he disseminated posts because he felt it was a worldwide topic with "consequences for France".

Relationship Background

The baseless rumor regarding Brigitte Macron's gender gained traction partly because their marriage has frequently been a subject of discussion in digital spaces.

She, who is significantly older than Emmanuel Macron, originally knew him when serving as a educator at his school.

The connection between them evolved through theatrical projects, and they wed in the following year, following her separation.

Auzière wrapped up her account by stating that the false claims have created a "storm that continues endlessly" for Brigitte Macron.