Misleading Claims on the Internet Negatively Impacted Brigitte Macron's Well-being, Child Tells Court

Brigitte Macron's daughter, Tiphaine Auzière, has told a judicial body in Paris that false claims circulating on the internet—such as the unfounded rumor that Brigitte Macron had a male birth identity—have severely damaged her mother's personal well-being.

Auzière, a attorney, was called as a witness in the legal proceedings of ten people allegedly involved in internet-based abuse against Brigitte Macron.

Effects on Everyday Activities

She explained that the first lady now feels perpetual anxiety about her demeanor, from the clothes she wears to her posture, because of the apprehension that every photograph could be misused to support malicious comments.

"The consequence is that she always has to pay attention to what she wears, her body language, 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 on trial for online harassment. Several had a small social media following, while several more were better known.

Each one is alleged to have posting harmful statements about the first lady's personal life. For some, this involved equating the disparity in years with Emmanuel Macron to hurtful comparisons.

Upon being found guilty, they could receive a maximum of two years in prison.

Consequences for Loved Ones

Auzière, a daughter from Brigitte Macron's first marriage, explained how the baseless rumors have caused a "worsening of her physical state" and a "decline of her quality of life".

She explained, "Not a day goes by when an individual does not talk these claims to her."

Auzière pointed out the repercussions on loved ones, such as the younger generation learning about false assertions like "Brigitte is not truthful" or "Your grandmother was born male".

"She has no idea how to stop it," Auzière stated. "She holds no office, she didn't pursue anything, and she is constantly facing these attacks."

Judicial Proceedings Context

The Paris trial is part of an ongoing effort in a broader legal battle against the inaccurate allegation that Brigitte Macron was a man.

The Macrons have initiated a case in America for defamation targeting a political commentator who amplified the allegation.

The lawsuit asserts that the allegation is entirely inaccurate and notes that the individual referenced is really her sibling.

Defendants' Responses

In court, a few individuals disputed the accusations.

• One defendant, serving as a local official, claimed he "never intended to inflict damage" and described his online statements as satirical.
• Another defendant stated that his social media shares were meant to be "satire" and expressed concern that the case could threaten "the right to speak freely".
• An art gallery owner explained he disseminated posts as he believed it was an international matter with "consequences for France".

Personal History

The inaccurate claim concerning the first lady's sex gained traction partly because the Macrons' relationship has frequently been a point of interest online.

She, aged two decades older than her husband, first met him when she was a teacher at the institution he attended.

Their relationship developed through drama activities, and they wed in 2007, after Brigitte Macron's marriage dissolution.

Auzière concluded her account by saying that the false claims have caused a "whirlwind that never stops" for her mother.