Misleading Assertions Online Harmed Brigitte Macron's Well-being, Daughter Testifies to the Tribunal

The French first lady's daughter, Tiphaine Auzière, testified to a tribunal in Paris that inaccurate assertions online—including the unfounded rumor that Brigitte Macron had a male birth identity—have negatively impacted her mother's daily existence.

Auzière, a legal professional, served as a witness in the legal proceedings of ten people accused of digital bullying against her mother.

Impact on Daily Life

She testified that her mother now worries constantly about her appearance, including her fashion choices to how she stands, due to the concern that each snapshot could be manipulated to advance negative campaigns.

"The consequence is that she constantly needs to be careful to what she wears, how she holds herself, irrespective of she's doing in day-to-day existence," she testified.

Accused Individuals and Allegations

Ten individuals, aged 41 to 60, are in court for digital abuse. Several had modest digital reach, while the rest were better known.

Each one is charged with posting harmful statements about Brigitte Macron's personal life. In certain cases, this involved comparing the disparity in years with her husband to offensive labels.

If found responsible, they may be sentenced to as much as 24 months in prison.

Family Impact

Auzière, a family member from Brigitte Macron's first marriage, explained how the false claims have resulted in a "decline of her physical state" and a "decline of her overall existence".

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

She emphasized the repercussions on the family, such as the kids learning about hurtful comments like "She is deceptive" or "She was born male".

"She has no idea what to do about it," she testified. "She holds no office, she never asked for public attention, and she is constantly experiencing these assaults."

Judicial Proceedings Background

The legal proceedings represents a recent development in a extended court case addressing the baseless theory that Brigitte Macron is supposedly a man.

They have pursued a legal action in the United States for defamation against a political commentator who promoted the theory.

The case asserts that the claim is completely false and points out that the individual referenced is actually Brigitte Macron's brother.

Defendants' Responses

During the trial, some of the accused rejected the allegations.

• A retired business owner, serving as a local official, claimed he "did not mean to hurt anyone" and described his social media content as ironic.
• A well-known publicist argued that his social media shares were meant to be "satire" and expressed concern that the trial could threaten "free speech".
• An art gallery owner said he shared posts as he believed it was a global issue with "implications for the country".

Personal History

The inaccurate claim concerning the first lady's sex circulated to some extent because their union has often been a topic of comment on the internet.

The first lady, aged 24 years older than her husband, initially encountered him when working as a teacher at his school.

The connection between them grew through drama activities, and they wed in the following year, subsequent to her divorce.

Auzière concluded her statement by expressing that the false claims have created a "storm that does not cease" for the first lady.