False Allegations Online Harmed Brigitte Macron's Quality of Life, Child Testifies to the Tribunal

Brigitte Macron's daughter, Tiphaine Auzière, testified to a judicial body in Paris that misleading allegations spread through social media—including the groundless claim that the French first lady is transgender—have severely damaged her mother's daily existence.

She, a attorney, served as a witness in the legal proceedings of a group of defendants facing charges for internet-based abuse against Brigitte Macron.

Impact on Personal Routine

She testified that Brigitte Macron now feels perpetual anxiety about her demeanor, including her fashion choices to the way she carries herself, as a result of the concern that each snapshot could be manipulated to fuel hateful attacks.

"The result is that she always has to pay attention to her outfits, how she holds herself, regardless of she's doing in her daily life," she informed the judges.

Accused Individuals and Charges

The defendants, aged 41 to 60, are facing charges for online harassment. A few had a small social media following, while the rest were more visible.

Each one is charged with making malicious comments about the first lady's gender and sexuality. Among them, this extended to linking the disparity in years with her husband to offensive labels.

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

Family Impact

Auzière, a family member from her mother's previous marriage, explained how the inaccurate allegations have led to a "worsening of her physical state" and a "decline of her overall existence".

She explained, "Scarcely a day goes by when a person avoids discussing these claims to her."

She pointed out the effects on the family, such as the kids learning about hurtful comments like "Brigitte is lying" or "Your grandmother is your grandfather".

"She has no idea how to stop it," she remarked. "She didn't run for election, she never asked for any of this, and she is constantly subjected to these attacks."

Legal Battle Background

This case is part of an ongoing effort in a broader legal battle addressing the inaccurate allegation that she was a man.

They have initiated a US lawsuit alleging slander involving a conservative podcaster who amplified the theory.

The legal filing states that the accusation is totally unfounded and identifies that the individual referenced is in fact Brigitte Macron's sibling.

Trial Testimonies

In court, a few individuals denied the charges.

• A retired business owner, now a deputy mayor, claimed he "had no purpose to cause harm" and referred to his online statements as satirical.
• A fiction writer argued that his social media shares were meant to be "irony" and expressed concern that the case could endanger "the right to speak freely".
• A third defendant testified he disseminated content since he thought it was a worldwide topic with "consequences for France".

Relationship Background

The false theory about Brigitte Macron's sex gained traction partly because their marriage has long been a point of interest on the internet.

The first lady, aged significantly older than Emmanuel Macron, first met the future president when serving as a educator at his school.

Their bond evolved through drama activities, and they married in 2007, after her marriage dissolution.

Auzière wrapped up her statement by saying that the baseless rumors have created a "storm that never stops" for her mother.