Inaccurate Claims Online Negatively Impacted Brigitte Macron's Daily Life, Child Testifies to the Tribunal
Brigitte Macron's child, Tiphaine Auzière, informed a Paris court that misleading allegations online—including the unfounded rumor that she had a male birth identity—have negatively impacted her mother's daily existence.
Auzière, a attorney, appeared as a testifier in the legal proceedings of 10 individuals allegedly involved in digital bullying directed at the first lady.
Consequences on Daily Life
She stated that the first lady now feels perpetual anxiety about her demeanor, including her fashion choices to her posture, as a result of the fear that any image may be manipulated to fuel malicious comments.
"The consequence is that she always needs to be careful to what she wears, her body language, no matter what she's doing in everyday routine," she informed the judges.
Those on Trial and Allegations
Ten individuals, in that age range, are facing charges for digital abuse. Several had a small social media following, while the rest were better known.
Every defendant is charged with making malicious comments about the first lady's identity. Among them, this included linking her age difference with her husband to inappropriate terms.
If found responsible, they may be sentenced to a maximum of two years in prison.
Family Impact
Auzière, one of three children from Brigitte Macron's initial union, explained how the baseless rumors have caused a "worsening of her physical state" and a "worsening of her overall existence".
She said, "Not a day passes when an individual does not talk the issue to her."
Auzière pointed out the effects on loved ones, such as the kids learning about false assertions like "She is deceptive" or "She is actually a man".
"She has no idea how to end it," she testified. "She didn't run for election, she has not sought anything, and she is constantly experiencing this abuse."
Court Case Background
The legal proceedings is the latest phase in a broader legal battle against the false claim that she was a man.
The Macrons have initiated a legal action in the United States alleging slander against a media personality who promoted the claim.
The legal filing states that the allegation is completely false and points out that the individual referenced is actually Brigitte Macron's older brother.
Defendants' Responses
In court, several defendants rejected the charges.
- One defendant, holding a public position, claimed he "had no purpose to hurt anyone" and referred to his posts as humorous.
- Another defendant stated that his posts were presented as "irony" and expressed concern that the legal action could threaten "free speech".
- Another individual explained he shared information because he felt it was an international matter with "impact on the nation".
Past Context
The false theory regarding the first lady's gender circulated in part because their union has frequently been a point of interest on the internet.
She, aged two decades older than Emmanuel Macron, originally knew the future president when serving as a educator at his school.
Their bond developed through drama activities, and they wed in 2007, after Brigitte Macron's divorce.
She wrapped up her account by stating that the false claims have produced a "whirlwind that never stops" for Brigitte Macron.