Inaccurate Assertions on Social Media Negatively Impacted Brigitte Macron's Quality of Life, Child Informs the Tribunal

The French first lady's daughter, Tiphaine Auzière, has told a tribunal in Paris that inaccurate assertions spread through social media—such as the groundless claim that the French first lady had a male birth identity—have severely damaged her mother's personal well-being.

She, a attorney, served as a testifier in the court case of 10 individuals allegedly involved in internet-based abuse targeting her mother.

Effects on Everyday Activities

She stated that the first lady now is always concerned about her demeanor, from her attire to her posture, because of the apprehension that every photograph could be manipulated to fuel negative campaigns.

"The outcome is that she constantly has to pay attention to what she wears, her body language, irrespective of her activities in her daily life," Auzière testified.

Those on Trial and Charges

The defendants, between 41 and 60 years old, are in court for digital abuse. A few had limited online influence, while several more were better known.

Every defendant is accused of posting harmful statements about the first lady's identity. For some, this involved equating the disparity in years with the French president to offensive labels.

If found responsible, they face as much as 24 months in jail.

Consequences for Loved Ones

Auzière, a family member from her mother's initial union, described how the baseless rumors have resulted in a "worsening of her well-being" and a "deterioration of her daily happiness".

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

She emphasized the impact on loved ones, including the kids learning about false assertions like "Brigitte is lying" or "She is actually a man".

"She is unsure what to do about it," she testified. "She's not elected, she didn't pursue anything, and she is constantly facing these assaults."

Judicial Proceedings History

This case represents a recent development in a broader legal battle against the inaccurate allegation that the first lady was transgender.

The couple have initiated a case in America over false statements involving a political commentator who promoted the allegation.

The legal filing asserts that the accusation is entirely inaccurate and identifies that the name mentioned is actually Brigitte Macron's brother.

Defendants' Responses

Throughout the proceedings, some of the accused denied the charges.

• A retired business owner, now a deputy mayor, stated he "had no purpose to hurt anyone" and described his posts as satirical.
• Another defendant claimed that his posts were intended as "irony" and expressed concern that the case could endanger "freedom of expression".
• Another individual testified he shared information because he felt it was a worldwide topic with "consequences for France".

Past Context

The false theory about Brigitte Macron's sex circulated partly because the Macrons' relationship has often been a subject of discussion on the internet.

Brigitte Macron, being 24 years older than Emmanuel Macron, initially encountered him when she was a teacher at his secondary school.

Their bond developed through the school's theatre programme, and they wed in the following year, after Brigitte Macron's marriage dissolution.

She finished her account by saying that the false claims have caused a "whirlwind that continues endlessly" for her mother.