Misleading Claims on the Internet Damaged Brigitte Macron's Daily Life, Child Informs Court

The French first lady's child, Tiphaine Auzière, testified to a tribunal in Paris that false claims spread through social media—among them the groundless claim that she was born a man—have severely damaged her mother's personal well-being.

She, a 41-year-old lawyer, served as a testifier in the legal proceedings of ten people facing charges for internet-based abuse directed at Brigitte Macron.

Impact on Personal Routine

Auzière explained that Brigitte Macron now feels perpetual anxiety about her demeanor, from the clothes she wears to her posture, because of the concern that every photograph might be misused to fuel malicious comments.

"The outcome is that she systematically needs to be careful to what she wears, her posture, regardless of her actions in day-to-day existence," Auzière testified.

Those on Trial and Allegations

The defendants, in that age range, are facing charges for digital abuse. Several had modest digital reach, while others were better known.

Each one is charged with posting harmful statements about the first lady's gender and sexuality. Among them, this involved comparing her age difference with her husband to hurtful comparisons.

If found responsible, they may be sentenced to up to two years in prison.

Family Impact

Auzière, one of three children from her mother's previous marriage, stated how the false claims have caused a "worsening of her physical state" and a "deterioration of her overall existence".

She said, "Not a day goes by when a person avoids discussing this to her."

She highlighted the effects on her relatives, such as the younger generation being exposed to malicious statements like "Your grandmother is lying" or "Your grandmother is your grandfather".

"She is unsure what to do about it," Auzière testified. "She holds no office, she never asked for public attention, and she is permanently subjected to these attacks."

Legal Battle History

This case is part of an ongoing effort in a broader legal battle targeting the false claim that the first lady is supposedly transgender.

The couple have pursued a case in America for defamation involving a conservative podcaster who amplified the theory.

The legal filing states that the accusation is totally unfounded and notes that the name mentioned is actually Brigitte Macron's older brother.

Trial Testimonies

In court, a few individuals disputed the charges.

• An individual, serving as a local official, claimed he "had no purpose to cause harm" and described his posts as satirical.
• Another defendant claimed that his posts were meant to be "irony" and highlighted apprehension that the case could threaten "freedom of expression".
• A third defendant said he disseminated information as he believed it was a global issue with "consequences for France".

Personal History

The inaccurate claim about Brigitte Macron's gender circulated to some extent because the Macrons' relationship has long been a topic of comment on the internet.

Brigitte Macron, being 24 years older than Emmanuel Macron, originally knew the future president when serving as a teacher at the institution he attended.

The connection between them grew through drama activities, and they entered into marriage in 2007, following her marriage dissolution.

She finished her testimony by expressing that the baseless rumors have produced a "whirlwind that continues endlessly" for the first lady.