False Assertions Online Damaged Brigitte Macron's Quality of Life, Daughter Tells Court
Brigitte Macron's daughter, Tiphaine Auzière, informed a tribunal in Paris that inaccurate assertions online—among them the groundless claim that she had a male birth identity—have severely damaged her mother's quality of life.
Auzière, a attorney, was called as a testifier in the trial of ten people accused of digital bullying against Brigitte Macron.
Consequences on Everyday Activities
She testified that the first lady now is always concerned about her demeanor, such as her fashion choices to how she stands, due to the apprehension that any image might be manipulated to advance hateful attacks.
"The consequence is that she always must be cautious to her outfits, her posture, irrespective of her actions in everyday routine," Auzière told the court.
Accused Individuals and Charges
Eight men and two women, aged 41 to 60, are in court for online harassment. A few had limited online influence, while several more were more prominent.
All is charged with spreading defamatory content about the first lady's identity. For some, this involved equating the age gap with her husband to offensive labels.
If convicted, they could receive as much as 24 months in prison.
Effect on Relatives
She, one of three children from her mother's initial union, explained how the baseless rumors have caused a "worsening of her well-being" and a "worsening of her daily happiness".
She said, "Not a day passes when someone fails to mention these claims to her."
Auzière pointed out the impact on the family, such as the younger generation being exposed to false assertions like "Brigitte is not truthful" or "Your grandmother was born male".
"She has no idea what to do about it," she stated. "She holds no office, she didn't pursue anything, and she is continually experiencing these attacks."
Legal Battle Background
The Paris trial is the latest phase in a extended court case targeting the baseless theory that the first lady is a man.
The Macrons have initiated a legal action in the United States alleging slander involving a media personality who promoted the theory.
The lawsuit clarifies that the allegation is entirely inaccurate and points out that the name mentioned is actually Brigitte Macron's sibling.
Accused Individuals' Statements
In court, a few individuals disputed the accusations.
- One defendant, serving as a local official, claimed he "had no purpose to inflict damage" and described his posts as humorous.
- A fiction writer argued that his social media shares were intended as "satire" and voiced worry that the case could undermine "the right to speak freely".
- A third defendant testified he disseminated information since he thought it was a worldwide topic with "implications for the country".
Past Context
The inaccurate claim about Brigitte Macron's sex gained traction partly because their marriage has frequently been a subject of discussion online.
She, aged two decades older than the president, originally knew him when she was a instructor at his secondary school.
Their bond developed through drama activities, and they married in the following year, following her separation.
Auzière wrapped up her statement by saying that the inaccurate allegations have caused a "storm that never stops" for Brigitte Macron.