False Allegations on the Internet Harmed Brigitte Macron's Well-being, Child Tells Court

Brigitte Macron's child, Tiphaine Auzière, informed a tribunal in Paris that inaccurate assertions circulating on the internet—such as the baseless theory that the French first lady is transgender—have severely damaged her mother's quality of life.

She, a 41-year-old lawyer, appeared as a witness in the trial of ten people accused of internet-based abuse directed at her mother.

Impact on Personal Routine

Auzière explained that her mother now feels perpetual anxiety about her appearance, such as her fashion choices to how she stands, due to the apprehension that each snapshot might be misused to advance negative campaigns.

"The consequence is that she always needs to be careful to her outfits, her body language, no matter what her activities in everyday routine," she informed the judges.

Accused Individuals and Charges

The defendants, between 41 and 60 years old, are on trial for online harassment. A few had modest digital reach, while others were more visible.

Every defendant is charged with spreading defamatory content about Brigitte Macron's personal life. In certain cases, this included linking the age gap with her husband to inappropriate terms.

Upon being found guilty, they face as much as 24 months in prison.

Family Impact

Auzière, a family member from Brigitte Macron's first marriage, described how the inaccurate allegations have caused a "deterioration of her physical state" and a "deterioration of her quality of life".

She said, "Scarcely a day goes by when someone does not talk the issue to her."

She pointed out the effects on her relatives, including her grandchildren being exposed to hurtful comments like "Brigitte is lying" or "Your grandmother is your grandfather".

"She is unsure how to stop it," Auzière testified. "She didn't run for election, she has not sought public attention, and she is continually experiencing these assaults."

Court Case Context

The Paris trial represents a recent development in a broader legal battle addressing the inaccurate allegation that the first lady is male.

The Macrons have also filed a case in America over false statements involving a conservative podcaster who promoted the claim.

The case asserts that the claim is totally unfounded and notes that the name mentioned is in fact Brigitte Macron's sibling.

Defendants' Responses

Throughout the proceedings, some of the accused rejected the charges.

• A retired business owner, serving as a local official, claimed he "had no purpose to hurt anyone" and referred to his posts as humorous.
• A well-known publicist argued that his posts were presented as "humor" and expressed concern that the case could threaten "freedom of expression".
• Another individual explained he posted content because he felt it was an international matter with "consequences for France".

Personal History

The baseless rumor about Brigitte Macron's gender gained traction to some extent because their marriage has long been a subject of discussion on the internet.

The first lady, being significantly older than Emmanuel Macron, initially encountered the future president when working as a teacher at his school.

Their bond developed through the school's theatre programme, and they wed in the following year, after her marriage dissolution.

Auzière wrapped up her statement by stating that the false claims have produced a "storm that never stops" for her mother.