Inaccurate Assertions Online Harmed Brigitte Macron's Daily Life, Daughter Informs Court

The French first lady's child, Tiphaine Auzière, informed a Paris court that inaccurate assertions spread through social media—among them the unfounded rumor that Brigitte Macron had a male birth identity—have significantly harmed her mother's daily existence.

She, a 41-year-old lawyer, appeared as a witness in the legal proceedings of 10 individuals accused of online harassment targeting the first lady.

Consequences on Daily Life

Auzière testified that Brigitte Macron now feels perpetual anxiety about how she looks, such as her fashion choices to how she stands, due to the fear that every photograph could be distorted to fuel hateful attacks.

"The consequence is that she systematically must be cautious to her clothing, how she holds herself, irrespective of her activities in her daily life," she informed the judges.

Defendants and Allegations

Eight men and two women, between 41 and 60 years old, are facing charges for online harassment. Some had modest digital reach, while the rest were better known.

Every defendant is charged with spreading defamatory content about the first lady's personal life. For some, this involved equating the age gap with her husband to hurtful comparisons.

If found responsible, they face up to two years in jail.

Effect on Relatives

Auzière, a daughter from Brigitte Macron's previous marriage, explained how the inaccurate allegations have led to a "deterioration of her health" and a "decline of her quality of life".

She explained, "Hardly a day passes when an individual fails to mention these claims to her."

Auzière emphasized the impact on the family, for example the younger generation being exposed to hurtful comments like "She is deceptive" or "Your grandmother was born male".

"She is unsure how to stop it," Auzière testified. "She holds no office, she didn't pursue public attention, and she is continually facing these assaults."

Judicial Proceedings Background

This case represents a recent development in a broader legal battle addressing the inaccurate allegation that the first lady is supposedly a man.

The couple have pursued a case in America alleging slander involving a conservative podcaster who spread the theory.

The lawsuit clarifies that the claim is totally unfounded and notes that the name mentioned is actually her older brother.

Accused Individuals' Statements

Throughout the proceedings, some of the accused rejected the allegations.

• A retired business owner, holding a public position, asserted he "did not mean to hurt anyone" and referred to his posts as satirical.
• A well-known publicist stated that his posts were intended as "humor" and expressed concern that the legal action could threaten "free speech".
• Another individual said he posted information because he felt it was a global issue with "implications for the country".

Personal History

The false theory concerning Brigitte Macron's gender circulated to some extent because their union has frequently been a subject of discussion in digital spaces.

Brigitte Macron, being two decades older than the president, first met Emmanuel Macron when working as a educator at the institution he attended.

The connection between them evolved through theatrical projects, and they married in 2007, following her divorce.

She wrapped up her testimony by expressing that the baseless rumors have caused a "whirlwind that never stops" for the first lady.