Inaccurate Allegations on the Internet Negatively Impacted Brigitte Macron's Daily Life, Child Testifies to Judges

The French first lady's child, Tiphaine Auzière, informed a judicial body in Paris that misleading allegations circulating on the internet—including the baseless theory that she is transgender—have severely damaged her mother's personal well-being.

She, a attorney, served as a testifier in the legal proceedings of ten people allegedly involved in digital bullying against her mother.

Impact on Everyday Activities

Auzière testified that Brigitte Macron now worries constantly about how she looks, from her fashion choices to the way she carries herself, due to the fear that every photograph might be misused to support negative campaigns.

"The consequence is that she constantly must be cautious to her clothing, her body language, regardless of her actions in everyday routine," Auzière told the court.

Accused Individuals and Allegations

Ten individuals, aged 41 to 60, are facing charges for digital abuse. Several had a small social media following, while several more were better known.

Each one is accused of posting harmful statements about Brigitte Macron's identity. Among them, this extended to equating the disparity in years with Emmanuel Macron to inappropriate terms.

If found responsible, they could receive up to two years in incarceration.

Effect on Relatives

She, one of three children from Brigitte Macron's first marriage, explained how the inaccurate allegations have caused a "deterioration of her health" and a "deterioration of her quality of life".

She explained, "Hardly a day passes when an individual does not talk the issue to her."

She emphasized the repercussions on the family, including her grandchildren learning about false assertions like "Your grandmother is lying" or "She was born male".

"She has no idea how to stop it," she stated. "She didn't run for election, she has not sought anything, and she is continually facing these attacks."

Court Case Context

The Paris trial is part of an ongoing effort in a extended court case addressing the baseless theory that she is supposedly transgender.

The Macrons have pursued a legal action in the United States alleging slander involving a conservative podcaster who promoted the claim.

The case states that the allegation is totally unfounded and notes that the person cited is really her sibling.

Defendants' Responses

In court, some of the accused rejected the allegations.

• One defendant, serving as a local official, stated he "had no purpose to cause harm" and described his social media content as satirical.
• A fiction writer claimed that his social media shares were meant to be "satire" and highlighted apprehension that the legal action could threaten "free speech".
• A third defendant said he posted information since he thought it was a worldwide topic with "consequences for France".

Personal History

The baseless rumor regarding the first lady's sex spread to some extent because their marriage has often been a topic of comment online.

Brigitte Macron, who is 24 years older than the president, initially encountered Emmanuel Macron when she was a educator at the institution he attended.

The connection between them evolved through theatrical projects, and they wed in the following year, following Brigitte Macron's divorce.

Auzière wrapped up her account by saying that the baseless rumors have produced a "chaos that never stops" for the first lady.