Inaccurate Claims on the Internet Harmed Brigitte Macron's Daily Life, Daughter Tells the Tribunal

The French first lady's child, Tiphaine Auzière, has told a Paris court that false claims spread through social media—such as the baseless theory that she is transgender—have significantly harmed her mother's quality of life.

Auzière, a attorney, served as a witness in the court case of a group of defendants facing charges for digital bullying targeting Brigitte Macron.

Consequences on Everyday Activities

Auzière explained that Brigitte Macron now worries constantly about how she looks, such as her fashion choices to her posture, because of the fear that any image could be misused to fuel hateful attacks.

"The consequence is that she constantly must be cautious to what she wears, her posture, regardless of her activities in her daily life," Auzière informed the judges.

Defendants and Accusations

The defendants, aged 41 to 60, are in court for internet-based bullying. Several had a small social media following, while the rest were better known.

Each one is charged with posting harmful statements about Brigitte Macron's personal life. Among them, this extended to equating the age gap with the French president to hurtful comparisons.

If convicted, they may be sentenced to as much as 24 months in prison.

Family Impact

She, one of three children from her mother's first marriage, stated how the baseless rumors have led to a "worsening of her health" and a "deterioration of her daily happiness".

She testified, "Not a day goes by when an individual fails to mention the issue to her."

She highlighted the repercussions on her relatives, such as the kids learning about false assertions like "Brigitte is deceptive" or "She is your grandfather".

"She is unsure how to end it," Auzière stated. "She's not elected, she has not sought public attention, and she is constantly facing these attacks."

Legal Battle Background

This case is part of an ongoing effort in a broader legal battle targeting the inaccurate allegation that Brigitte Macron is transgender.

They have initiated a legal action in the United States alleging slander involving a media personality who spread the allegation.

The legal filing states that the accusation is entirely inaccurate and notes that the individual referenced is actually Brigitte Macron's older brother.

Defendants' Responses

During the trial, several defendants denied the allegations.

• A retired business owner, holding a public position, asserted he "never intended to hurt anyone" and referred to his online statements as satirical.
• A well-known publicist stated that his posts were intended as "humor" and expressed concern that the legal action could undermine "the right to speak freely".
• A third defendant said he disseminated information since he thought it was a global issue with "impact on the nation".

Personal History

The false theory regarding the first lady's sex spread in part because the Macrons' relationship has frequently been a subject of discussion online.

She, who is 24 years older than her husband, originally knew the future president when she was a teacher at the institution he attended.

The connection between them evolved through theatrical projects, and they married in 2007, subsequent to Brigitte Macron's marriage dissolution.

Auzière wrapped up her account by stating that the inaccurate allegations have produced a "whirlwind that never stops" for her mother.