Inaccurate Claims Online Negatively Impacted Brigitte Macron's Well-being, Child Informs the Tribunal

The French first lady's child, Tiphaine Auzière, testified to a judicial body in Paris that false claims online—such as the groundless claim that the French first lady had a male birth identity—have severely damaged her mother's quality of life.

Auzière, a attorney, appeared as a witness in the legal proceedings of ten people accused of online harassment against the first lady.

Consequences on Everyday Activities

She stated that her mother now is always concerned about her appearance, from her fashion choices to her posture, because of the concern that every photograph may be distorted to support negative campaigns.

"The outcome is that she constantly needs to be careful to her outfits, her posture, no matter what her actions in her daily life," she told the court.

Those on Trial and Allegations

The defendants, aged 41 to 60, are facing charges for internet-based bullying. A few had a small social media following, while the rest were more visible.

Every defendant is accused of spreading defamatory content about Brigitte Macron's identity. Among them, this involved linking the age gap with the French president to hurtful comparisons.

Upon being found guilty, they may be sentenced to a maximum of two years in prison.

Consequences for Loved Ones

She, a daughter from Brigitte Macron's previous marriage, described how the baseless rumors have resulted in a "deterioration of her well-being" and a "decline of her daily happiness".

She testified, "Scarcely a day goes by when a person does not talk these claims to her."

She highlighted the effects on her relatives, such as the kids learning about false assertions like "Your grandmother is lying" or "She is your grandfather".

"She has no idea how to end it," she remarked. "She holds no office, she never asked for public attention, and she is permanently facing this abuse."

Court Case Context

The legal proceedings is part of an ongoing effort in a wider judicial fight targeting the false claim that she is supposedly male.

The Macrons have pursued a US lawsuit for defamation targeting a media personality who promoted the allegation.

The lawsuit asserts that the claim is totally unfounded and identifies that the person cited is actually her older brother.

Trial Testimonies

Throughout the proceedings, a few individuals disputed the accusations.

• One defendant, now a deputy mayor, asserted he "did not mean to inflict damage" and described his social media content as satirical.
• A well-known publicist claimed that his online activity were meant to be "satire" and highlighted apprehension that the legal action could threaten "the right to speak freely".
• A third defendant said he disseminated content as he believed it was a worldwide topic with "impact on the nation".

Relationship Background

The baseless rumor concerning the first lady's gender gained traction partly because the Macrons' relationship has frequently been a point of interest in digital spaces.

Brigitte Macron, who is two decades older than Emmanuel Macron, first met the future president when she was a instructor at his secondary school.

The connection between them grew through drama activities, and they wed in that year, following her separation.

She concluded her statement by stating that the false claims have produced a "whirlwind that does not cease" for her mother.