Misleading Allegations Online Negatively Impacted Brigitte Macron's Well-being, Child Testifies to Court

The French first lady's child, Tiphaine Auzière, testified to a tribunal in Paris that inaccurate assertions circulating on the internet—among them the baseless theory that the French first lady was born a man—have negatively impacted her mother's personal well-being.

She, a legal professional, appeared as a testifier in the legal proceedings of ten people facing charges for internet-based abuse directed at Brigitte Macron.

Consequences on Personal Routine

She explained that Brigitte Macron now is always concerned about her demeanor, including her fashion choices to how she stands, because of the apprehension that every photograph may be misused to advance hateful attacks.

"The result is that she systematically needs to be careful to her outfits, how she holds herself, irrespective of her actions in day-to-day existence," Auzière testified.

Accused Individuals and Charges

The defendants, in that age range, are on trial for online harassment. A few had modest digital reach, while the rest were more prominent.

Every defendant is alleged to have making malicious comments about Brigitte Macron's gender and sexuality. In certain cases, this extended to equating the disparity in years with her husband to hurtful comparisons.

If convicted, they could receive up to two years in jail.

Consequences for Loved Ones

Auzière, one of three children from her mother's previous marriage, described how the false claims have caused a "decline of her health" and a "decline of her quality of life".

She testified, "Scarcely a day passes when someone avoids discussing this to her."

Auzière pointed out the repercussions on loved ones, such as the kids hearing false assertions like "She is not truthful" or "She is actually a man".

"She does not know how to stop it," she stated. "She didn't run for election, she didn't pursue anything, and she is constantly subjected to this abuse."

Legal Battle History

The Paris trial represents a recent development in a wider judicial fight targeting the false claim that she is supposedly a man.

The Macrons have also filed a US lawsuit alleging slander involving a political commentator who spread the theory.

The legal filing asserts that the claim is totally unfounded and identifies that the individual referenced is in fact Brigitte Macron's older brother.

Defendants' Responses

Throughout the proceedings, several defendants rejected the allegations.

• One defendant, holding a public position, asserted he "never intended to inflict damage" and referred to his social media content as humorous.
• Another defendant argued that his posts were intended as "satire" and voiced worry that the case could undermine "freedom of expression".
• A third defendant explained he shared information because he felt it was an international matter with "impact on the nation".

Past Context

The false theory about the first lady's identity gained traction partly because their union has frequently been a topic of comment on the internet.

The first lady, aged two decades older than Emmanuel Macron, originally knew the future president when working as a instructor at his secondary school.

Their relationship evolved through drama activities, and they wed in 2007, after her marriage dissolution.

Auzière finished her account by expressing that the baseless rumors have caused a "chaos that continues endlessly" for her mother.