Inaccurate Claims Online Harmed Brigitte Macron's Daily Life, Daughter Informs Judges

The French first lady's child, Tiphaine Auzière, informed a judicial body in Paris that misleading allegations circulating on the internet—including the baseless theory that Brigitte Macron had a male birth identity—have negatively impacted her mother's daily existence.

Auzière, a attorney, was called as a witness in the court case of a group of defendants facing charges for internet-based abuse against Brigitte Macron.

Effects on Everyday Activities

She stated that her mother now worries constantly about her appearance, including the clothes she wears to the way she carries herself, due to the concern that each snapshot may be misused to advance malicious comments.

"The outcome is that she constantly must be cautious to her outfits, how she holds herself, irrespective of she's doing in everyday routine," she told the court.

Accused Individuals and Accusations

Eight men and two women, aged 41 to 60, are in court for digital abuse. A few had modest digital reach, while the rest were more visible.

Every defendant is charged with posting harmful statements about Brigitte Macron's identity. For some, this extended to equating the age gap with the French president to inappropriate terms.

Upon being found guilty, they may be sentenced to as much as 24 months in prison.

Family Impact

She, a family member from Brigitte Macron's initial union, stated how the false claims have led to a "deterioration of her well-being" and a "decline of her daily happiness".

She explained, "Hardly a day goes by when an individual fails to mention these claims to her."

Auzière pointed out the effects on her relatives, for example the kids being exposed to hurtful comments like "Brigitte is deceptive" or "Your grandmother is actually a man".

"She does not know how to end it," she testified. "She didn't run for election, she has not sought public attention, and she is constantly facing these attacks."

Judicial Proceedings Background

The Paris trial is the latest phase in a extended court case addressing the false claim that the first lady is transgender.

The Macrons have initiated a US lawsuit for defamation against a conservative podcaster who amplified the claim.

The case states that the accusation is completely false and points out that the individual referenced is in fact her older brother.

Accused Individuals' Statements

In court, a few individuals disputed the charges.

• One defendant, now a deputy mayor, claimed he "had no purpose to hurt anyone" and referred to his social media content as ironic.
• A fiction writer claimed that his social media shares were meant to be "irony" and voiced worry that the legal action could threaten "freedom of expression".
• A third defendant said he posted information as he believed it was an international matter with "impact on the nation".

Past Context

The baseless rumor regarding Brigitte Macron's gender spread in part because their union has often been a point of interest on the internet.

She, being significantly older than the president, originally knew him when she was a teacher at his secondary school.

Their relationship grew through drama activities, and they married in the following year, subsequent to her divorce.

Auzière wrapped up her statement by expressing that the inaccurate allegations have produced a "chaos that never stops" for Brigitte Macron.