False Claims on Social Media Damaged Brigitte Macron's Quality of Life, Child Testifies to the Tribunal

The French first lady's daughter, Tiphaine Auzière, has told a judicial body in Paris that misleading allegations circulating on the internet—among them the baseless theory that the French first lady was born a man—have severely damaged her mother's personal well-being.

Auzière, a 41-year-old lawyer, was called as a testifier in the trial of ten people allegedly involved in internet-based abuse targeting the first lady.

Consequences on Daily Life

She stated that Brigitte Macron now feels perpetual anxiety about how she looks, such as her fashion choices to her posture, as a result of the apprehension that each snapshot might be distorted to advance negative campaigns.

"The result is that she systematically has to pay attention to what she wears, her body language, irrespective of she's doing in her daily life," Auzière informed the judges.

Defendants and Allegations

The defendants, in that age range, are on trial for internet-based bullying. Several had a small social media following, while the rest were more visible.

Each one is accused of spreading defamatory content about the first lady's personal life. For some, this included equating the disparity in years with her husband to hurtful comparisons.

If found responsible, they could receive as much as 24 months in incarceration.

Consequences for Loved Ones

She, a family member from Brigitte Macron's initial union, described how the baseless rumors have caused a "decline of her well-being" and a "worsening of her quality of life".

She said, "Hardly a day goes by when someone fails to mention this to her."

Auzière emphasized the repercussions on her relatives, including her grandchildren hearing hurtful comments like "She is lying" or "Your grandmother is your grandfather".

"She does not know how to stop it," Auzière testified. "She holds no office, she has not sought public attention, and she is permanently experiencing these assaults."

Legal Battle History

The legal proceedings is part of an ongoing effort in a wider judicial fight against the baseless theory that the first lady is transgender.

The Macrons have initiated a legal action in the United States alleging slander targeting a political commentator who spread the claim.

The case clarifies that the accusation is completely false and points out that the name mentioned is in fact Brigitte Macron's sibling.

Accused Individuals' Statements

Throughout the proceedings, a few individuals denied the allegations.

• A retired business owner, serving as a local official, asserted he "never intended to hurt anyone" and referred to his posts as satirical.
• A well-known publicist stated that his posts were presented as "humor" and highlighted apprehension that the legal action could undermine "freedom of expression".
• A third defendant testified he disseminated information because he felt it was an international matter with "consequences for France".

Past Context

The inaccurate claim about Brigitte Macron's identity circulated to some extent because the Macrons' relationship has often been a subject of discussion on the internet.

The first lady, who is significantly older than Emmanuel Macron, initially encountered him when serving as a educator at his secondary school.

Their relationship evolved through theatrical projects, and they wed in 2007, after Brigitte Macron's separation.

She wrapped up her testimony by stating that the inaccurate allegations have created a "storm that never stops" for the first lady.