False Allegations Online Damaged Brigitte Macron's Quality of Life, Child Informs Judges

Brigitte Macron's child, Tiphaine Auzière, informed a tribunal in Paris that false claims circulating on the internet—including the groundless claim that the French first lady was born a man—have negatively impacted her mother's daily existence.

She, a attorney, was called as a testifier in the legal proceedings of a group of defendants accused of internet-based abuse directed at Brigitte Macron.

Impact on Daily Life

She stated that the first lady now worries constantly about her demeanor, including her attire to her posture, because of the apprehension that every photograph could be misused to advance malicious comments.

"The consequence is that she constantly must be cautious to her clothing, how she holds herself, irrespective of her actions in day-to-day existence," she informed the judges.

Accused Individuals and Accusations

Eight men and two women, aged 41 to 60, are on trial for digital abuse. A few had modest digital reach, while others were more visible.

All is charged with spreading defamatory content about the first lady's identity. Among them, this involved linking her age difference with Emmanuel Macron to hurtful comparisons.

Upon being found guilty, they could receive as much as 24 months in jail.

Consequences for Loved Ones

Auzière, one of three children from Brigitte Macron's initial union, described how the false claims have resulted in a "worsening of her health" and a "decline of her daily happiness".

She said, "Hardly a day passes when a person fails to mention these claims to her."

She highlighted the impact on the family, for example the kids learning about malicious statements like "Your grandmother is not truthful" or "She was born male".

"She is unsure how to stop it," she stated. "She didn't run for election, she didn't pursue anything, and she is permanently facing these assaults."

Judicial Proceedings Background

The legal proceedings is the latest phase in a broader legal battle against the false claim that she is supposedly male.

They have initiated a case in America for defamation against a political commentator who promoted the allegation.

The legal filing asserts that the claim is totally unfounded and points out that the person cited is really her sibling.

Defendants' Responses

Throughout the proceedings, several defendants disputed the charges.

• A retired business owner, holding a public position, claimed he "never intended to hurt anyone" and described his online statements as ironic.
• A fiction writer claimed that his online activity were meant to be "humor" and expressed concern that the trial could threaten "the right to speak freely".
• A third defendant testified he posted posts since he thought it was a global issue with "consequences for France".

Personal History

The false theory concerning Brigitte Macron's identity circulated in part because their marriage has long been a subject of discussion in digital spaces.

The first lady, being two decades older than the president, initially encountered Emmanuel Macron when serving as a teacher at his school.

Their bond grew through drama activities, and they wed in 2007, following her marriage dissolution.

Auzière wrapped up her testimony by saying that the false claims have produced a "whirlwind that continues endlessly" for her mother.