False Allegations on the Internet Negatively Impacted Brigitte Macron's Daily Life, Daughter Informs Judges

Brigitte Macron's child, Tiphaine Auzière, testified to a tribunal in Paris that false claims online—such as the unfounded rumor that Brigitte Macron had a male birth identity—have severely damaged her mother's quality of life.

She, a attorney, served as a witness in the trial of 10 individuals facing charges for online harassment against the first lady.

Consequences on Daily Life

She stated that the first lady now is always concerned about her demeanor, from her attire to how she stands, due to the concern that any image could be distorted to support negative campaigns.

"The outcome is that she constantly must be cautious to her outfits, how she holds herself, regardless of her actions in her daily life," Auzière informed the judges.

Those on Trial and Allegations

Eight men and two women, between 41 and 60 years old, are facing charges for online harassment. A few had limited online influence, while others were more prominent.

All is charged with making malicious comments about the first lady's gender and sexuality. For some, this included linking the disparity in years with Emmanuel Macron to hurtful comparisons.

If convicted, they face a maximum of two years in jail.

Effect on Relatives

Auzière, a family member from her mother's first marriage, stated how the inaccurate allegations have resulted in a "decline of her well-being" and a "worsening of her daily happiness".

She explained, "Hardly a day goes by when someone fails to mention the issue to her."

Auzière pointed out the effects on loved ones, including the younger generation hearing hurtful comments like "She is deceptive" or "She is your grandfather".

"She does not know how to end it," she remarked. "She didn't run for election, she didn't pursue any of this, and she is permanently experiencing these assaults."

Court Case History

The legal proceedings is the latest phase in a wider judicial fight addressing the false claim that she was male.

They have also filed a legal action in the United States for defamation targeting a conservative podcaster who promoted the allegation.

The legal filing asserts that the allegation is completely false and identifies that the name mentioned is really her sibling.

Accused Individuals' Statements

During the trial, several defendants denied the allegations.

• A retired business owner, serving as a local official, asserted he "did not mean to hurt anyone" and described his social media content as satirical.
• A fiction writer argued that his online activity were meant to be "humor" and voiced worry that the case could endanger "the right to speak freely".
• A third defendant explained he shared posts because he felt it was a global issue with "impact on the nation".

Relationship Background

The baseless rumor about the first lady's gender gained traction to some extent because the Macrons' relationship has long been a point of interest on the internet.

The first lady, aged 24 years older than the president, first met Emmanuel Macron when serving as a teacher at the institution he attended.

The connection between them developed through the school's theatre programme, and they entered into marriage in 2007, subsequent to Brigitte Macron's separation.

Auzière wrapped up her statement by saying that the false claims have caused a "whirlwind that continues endlessly" for the first lady.