False Claims on Social Media Damaged Brigitte Macron's Quality of Life, Child Informs the Tribunal
The French first lady's child, Tiphaine Auzière, informed a Paris court that false claims online—such as the unfounded rumor that the French first lady had a male birth identity—have negatively impacted her mother's quality of life.
She, a 41-year-old lawyer, was called as a witness in the trial of 10 individuals facing charges for online harassment targeting Brigitte Macron.
Consequences on Personal Routine
She testified that her mother now feels perpetual anxiety about her demeanor, including the clothes she wears to the way she carries herself, because of the fear that every photograph might be manipulated to fuel negative campaigns.
"The result is that she constantly has to pay attention to what she wears, how she holds herself, regardless of her activities in her daily life," she informed the judges.
Accused Individuals and Allegations
Ten individuals, in that age range, are on trial for online harassment. Some had modest digital reach, while others were better known.
Each one is alleged to have making malicious comments about Brigitte Macron's personal life. Among them, this extended to linking her age difference with the French president to hurtful comparisons.
Upon being found guilty, they face as much as 24 months in prison.
Family Impact
She, a family member from her mother's first marriage, explained how the baseless rumors have led to a "worsening of her physical state" and a "decline of her overall existence".
She said, "Hardly a day passes when an individual does not talk these claims to her."
Auzière emphasized the repercussions on the family, for example the younger generation hearing hurtful comments like "She is lying" or "She is your grandfather".
"She does not know how to end it," she stated. "She holds no office, she has not sought anything, and she is continually experiencing these attacks."
Legal Battle History
The Paris trial is the latest phase in a extended court case against the baseless theory that she is a man.
The Macrons have pursued a legal action in the United States over false statements targeting a political commentator who spread the claim.
The lawsuit states that the allegation is entirely inaccurate and notes that the name mentioned is in fact Brigitte Macron's older brother.
Trial Testimonies
In court, a few individuals disputed the charges.
- One defendant, serving as a local official, stated he "had no purpose to hurt anyone" and described his posts as satirical.
- A well-known publicist argued that his posts were presented as "irony" and voiced worry that the trial could threaten "free speech".
- Another individual testified he shared information since he thought it was a global issue with "consequences for France".
Relationship Background
The baseless rumor concerning the first lady's identity circulated to some extent because their union has often been a topic of comment on the internet.
The first lady, aged significantly older than the president, initially encountered the future president when she was a educator at the institution he attended.
Their bond grew through the school's theatre programme, and they married in the following year, following her marriage dissolution.
She finished her statement by saying that the false claims have caused a "storm that continues endlessly" for Brigitte Macron.