Inaccurate Claims on the Internet Harmed Brigitte Macron's Daily Life, Child Testifies to Court
Brigitte Macron's child, Tiphaine Auzière, has told a tribunal in Paris that false claims online—among them the baseless theory that she had a male birth identity—have negatively impacted her mother's personal well-being.
Auzière, a attorney, served as a witness in the trial of ten people facing charges for online harassment against the first lady.
Impact on Everyday Activities
Auzière stated that Brigitte Macron now feels perpetual anxiety about how she looks, from the clothes she wears to the way she carries herself, due to the apprehension that each snapshot might be distorted to support malicious comments.
"The outcome is that she systematically must be cautious to what she wears, her posture, irrespective of her actions in everyday routine," Auzière testified.
Defendants and Allegations
Ten individuals, in that age range, are facing charges for online harassment. Several had limited online influence, while others were better known.
Each one is alleged to have posting harmful statements about Brigitte Macron's identity. For some, this included comparing her age difference with Emmanuel Macron to hurtful comparisons.
Upon being found guilty, they face as much as 24 months in jail.
Consequences for Loved Ones
Auzière, one of three children from her mother's first marriage, described how the false claims have caused a "decline of her health" and a "deterioration of her quality of life".
She testified, "Scarcely a day passes when a person does not talk these claims to her."
Auzière highlighted the impact on her relatives, such as the younger generation learning about malicious statements like "She is deceptive" or "She is actually a man".
"She is unsure how to stop it," she remarked. "She didn't run for election, she has not sought anything, and she is constantly facing this abuse."
Court Case Context
This case is part of an ongoing effort 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 over false statements involving a media personality who spread the theory.
The legal filing states that the allegation is totally unfounded and notes that the individual referenced is actually Brigitte Macron's brother.
Trial Testimonies
Throughout the proceedings, a few individuals rejected the allegations.
- An individual, holding a public position, asserted he "never intended to hurt anyone" and described his posts as ironic.
- A well-known publicist argued that his posts were meant to be "satire" and voiced worry that the case could undermine "the right to speak freely".
- An art gallery owner said he disseminated information because he felt it was a global issue with "consequences for France".
Relationship Background
The baseless rumor concerning Brigitte Macron's gender gained traction to some extent because their marriage has long been a topic of comment online.
Brigitte Macron, being two decades older than the president, originally knew him when serving as a educator at his school.
Their bond developed through the school's theatre programme, and they married in the following year, subsequent to her divorce.
She wrapped up her testimony by saying that the false claims have caused a "whirlwind that does not cease" for Brigitte Macron.