False Claims Online Harmed Brigitte Macron's Well-being, Child Tells Judges

Brigitte Macron's daughter, Tiphaine Auzière, informed a tribunal in Paris that misleading allegations online—including the groundless claim that Brigitte Macron is transgender—have negatively impacted her mother's daily existence.

Auzière, a legal professional, appeared as a witness in the court case of 10 individuals allegedly involved in digital bullying directed at her mother.

Impact on Daily Life

Auzière stated that the first lady now is always concerned about her demeanor, such as the clothes she wears to how she stands, due to the fear that every photograph may be manipulated to advance hateful attacks.

"The outcome is that she always must be cautious to what she wears, how she holds herself, no matter what her actions in her daily life," Auzière testified.

Defendants and Charges

Ten individuals, between 41 and 60 years old, are facing charges for digital abuse. Several had limited online influence, while several more were more visible.

Every defendant is alleged to have spreading defamatory content about the first lady's identity. Among them, this extended to comparing the disparity in years with Emmanuel Macron to offensive labels.

If found responsible, they face a maximum of two years in prison.

Effect on Relatives

Auzière, a family member from her mother's initial union, explained how the false claims have resulted in a "worsening of her health" and a "decline of her daily happiness".

She explained, "Not a day passes when someone fails to mention this to her."

She pointed out the impact on her relatives, such as the younger generation learning about malicious statements like "She is not truthful" or "Your grandmother is actually a man".

"She is unsure what to do about it," Auzière stated. "She holds no office, she didn't pursue anything, and she is permanently facing these attacks."

Legal Battle History

This case is the latest phase in a broader legal battle targeting the inaccurate allegation that the first lady is supposedly male.

They have initiated a case in America for defamation involving a media personality who spread the allegation.

The case clarifies that the allegation is entirely inaccurate and notes that the individual referenced is in fact her brother.

Accused Individuals' Statements

During the trial, some of the accused denied the charges.

• An individual, now a deputy mayor, asserted he "never intended to hurt anyone" and referred to his social media content as humorous.
• A well-known publicist stated that his online activity were intended as "irony" and voiced worry that the case could threaten "the right to speak freely".
• Another individual explained he shared content as he believed it was an international matter with "implications for the country".

Past Context

The inaccurate claim regarding Brigitte Macron's gender circulated in part because their marriage has frequently been a point of interest on the internet.

Brigitte Macron, who is two decades older than her husband, initially encountered him when working as a educator at the institution he attended.

The connection between them grew through theatrical projects, and they wed in that year, following Brigitte Macron's divorce.

She concluded her testimony by expressing that the inaccurate allegations have created a "storm that does not cease" for the first lady.