Inaccurate Allegations Online Negatively Impacted Brigitte Macron's Daily Life, Daughter Tells Judges

The French first lady's child, Tiphaine Auzière, testified to a judicial body in Paris that inaccurate assertions online—including the groundless claim that she was born a man—have significantly harmed her mother's personal well-being.

Auzière, a attorney, appeared as a witness in the trial of 10 individuals facing charges for digital bullying against her mother.

Consequences on Personal Routine

Auzière stated that Brigitte Macron now feels perpetual anxiety about how she looks, including her attire to how she stands, due to the fear that any image might be misused to support hateful attacks.

"The result is that she constantly needs to be careful to her outfits, her posture, irrespective of her actions in day-to-day existence," she informed the judges.

Defendants and Accusations

Eight men and two women, aged 41 to 60, are facing charges for online harassment. Several had modest digital reach, while several more were more visible.

Every defendant is accused of posting harmful statements about the first lady's personal life. Among them, this included comparing the disparity in years with Emmanuel Macron to offensive labels.

If convicted, they could receive a maximum of two years in prison.

Consequences for Loved Ones

Auzière, one of three children from her mother's previous marriage, described how the false claims have resulted in a "deterioration of her well-being" and a "worsening of her daily happiness".

She testified, "Not a day goes by when an individual does not talk the issue to her."

Auzière pointed out the effects on the family, such as her grandchildren learning about hurtful comments like "Your grandmother is not truthful" or "Your grandmother is actually a man".

"She is unsure what to do about it," Auzière testified. "She holds no office, she never asked for anything, and she is continually subjected to these attacks."

Court Case History

The Paris trial is part of an ongoing effort in a extended court case targeting the inaccurate allegation that she is supposedly transgender.

They have initiated a case in America alleging slander involving a conservative podcaster who amplified the claim.

The legal filing states that the allegation is entirely inaccurate and points out that the person cited is in fact Brigitte Macron's older brother.

Trial Testimonies

During the trial, several defendants disputed the accusations.

  • One defendant, serving as a local official, stated he "never intended to inflict damage" and referred to his social media content as humorous.
  • Another defendant claimed that his online activity were meant to be "irony" and highlighted apprehension that the case could endanger "free speech".
  • An art gallery owner explained he disseminated information because he felt it was an international matter with "impact on the nation".

Personal History

The baseless rumor about the first lady's sex spread in part because their marriage has frequently been a topic of comment in digital spaces.

She, being significantly older than her husband, originally knew the future president when working as a teacher at his school.

Their bond developed through drama activities, and they wed in the following year, subsequent to her marriage dissolution.

Auzière finished her statement by expressing that the baseless rumors have caused a "whirlwind that continues endlessly" for Brigitte Macron.

Timothy Norton
Timothy Norton

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