False Allegations on the Internet Harmed Brigitte Macron's Quality of Life, Daughter Informs Court
The French first lady's child, Tiphaine Auzière, informed a Paris court that inaccurate assertions circulating on the internet—including the baseless theory that the French first lady is transgender—have significantly harmed her mother's quality of life.
Auzière, a attorney, served as a witness in the legal proceedings of ten people accused of internet-based abuse directed at her mother.
Impact on Everyday Activities
She testified that the first lady now worries constantly about her demeanor, such as her attire to the way she carries herself, as a result of the fear that any image could be distorted to fuel negative campaigns.
"The result is that she systematically needs to be careful to her outfits, her posture, regardless of her activities in day-to-day existence," Auzière informed the judges.
Defendants and Accusations
Ten individuals, between 41 and 60 years old, are in court for internet-based bullying. Some had a small social media following, while others were more visible.
Every defendant is charged with spreading defamatory content about Brigitte Macron's identity. In certain cases, this involved linking the disparity in years with her husband to offensive labels.
If convicted, they could receive up to two years in jail.
Effect on Relatives
She, a family member from her mother's previous marriage, described how the false claims have led to a "deterioration of her health" and a "deterioration of her quality of life".
She testified, "Scarcely a day passes when a person does not talk this to her."
Auzière emphasized the impact on loved ones, including the younger generation learning about false assertions like "Your grandmother is not truthful" or "She was born male".
"She is unsure how to end it," Auzière stated. "She didn't run for election, she never asked for public attention, and she is constantly experiencing these attacks."
Legal Battle Background
This case is part of an ongoing effort in a extended court case targeting the inaccurate allegation that she is male.
The couple have also filed a US lawsuit alleging slander against a conservative podcaster who promoted the theory.
The lawsuit asserts that the accusation is completely false and notes that the individual referenced is actually Brigitte Macron's brother.
Defendants' Responses
Throughout the proceedings, some of the accused disputed the charges.
- A retired business owner, now a deputy mayor, claimed he "did not mean to cause harm" and described his posts as humorous.
- A fiction writer stated that his social media shares were meant to be "satire" and highlighted apprehension that the legal action could undermine "free speech".
- Another individual testified he shared content since he thought it was a worldwide topic with "implications for the country".
Personal History
The baseless rumor concerning Brigitte Macron's sex spread in part because the Macrons' relationship has frequently been a subject of discussion in digital spaces.
Brigitte Macron, aged significantly older than the president, originally knew Emmanuel Macron when working as a educator at the institution he attended.
Their bond grew through theatrical projects, and they wed in the following year, after Brigitte Macron's marriage dissolution.
She wrapped up her account by expressing that the inaccurate allegations have produced a "chaos that never stops" for her mother.