Misleading Assertions on Social Media Harmed Brigitte Macron's Well-being, Child Tells Court

Brigitte Macron's child, Tiphaine Auzière, has told a judicial body in Paris that false claims spread through social media—such as the groundless claim that Brigitte Macron had a male birth identity—have significantly harmed her mother's personal well-being.

Auzière, a attorney, was called as a witness in the trial of a group of defendants facing charges for internet-based abuse targeting the first lady.

Consequences on Daily Life

She stated that her mother now worries constantly about her demeanor, such as the clothes she wears to her posture, due to the apprehension that every photograph could be manipulated to fuel hateful attacks.

"The consequence is that she constantly must be cautious to her clothing, how she holds herself, regardless of her actions in day-to-day existence," Auzière testified.

Those on Trial and Accusations

Ten individuals, aged 41 to 60, are in court for internet-based bullying. A few had modest digital reach, while the rest were better known.

Each one is charged with posting harmful statements about the first lady's personal life. Among them, this involved comparing the age gap with Emmanuel Macron to offensive labels.

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

Family Impact

Auzière, a daughter from her mother's previous marriage, explained how the baseless rumors have led to a "deterioration of her physical state" and a "deterioration of her quality of life".

She said, "Hardly a day passes when a person does not talk the issue to her."

She emphasized the repercussions on the family, including her grandchildren learning about hurtful comments like "She is lying" or "She was born male".

"She has no idea how to stop it," Auzière remarked. "She's not elected, she has not sought public attention, and she is constantly facing these attacks."

Court Case Context

The Paris trial is part of an ongoing effort in a broader legal battle targeting the false claim that she is a man.

They have also filed a US lawsuit alleging slander against a conservative podcaster who amplified the theory.

The legal filing asserts that the accusation is completely false and identifies that the individual referenced is actually her sibling.

Defendants' Responses

During the trial, some of the accused rejected the accusations.

• One defendant, serving as a local official, stated he "did not mean to inflict damage" and described his posts as humorous.
• A fiction writer stated that his online activity were presented as "humor" and voiced worry that the case could undermine "free speech".
• 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 gender circulated partly because their union has frequently been a topic of comment online.

Brigitte Macron, who is 24 years older than her husband, first met him when she was a teacher at his school.

The connection between them grew through drama activities, and they wed in the following year, following her marriage dissolution.

She concluded her statement by stating that the baseless rumors have produced a "storm that continues endlessly" for Brigitte Macron.