False Claims on Social Media Negatively Impacted Brigitte Macron's Quality of Life, Daughter Testifies to the Tribunal

The French first lady's daughter, Tiphaine Auzière, has told a Paris court that inaccurate assertions circulating on the internet—including the baseless theory that Brigitte Macron is transgender—have significantly harmed her mother's quality of life.

Auzière, a legal professional, served as a testifier in the legal proceedings of 10 individuals accused of internet-based abuse directed at Brigitte Macron.

Consequences on Personal Routine

She stated that her mother now is always concerned about how she looks, such as her attire to how she stands, because of the fear that any image might be manipulated to fuel negative campaigns.

"The result is that she constantly must be cautious to her clothing, her body language, irrespective of her activities in her daily life," Auzière told the court.

Defendants and Accusations

Eight men and two women, between 41 and 60 years old, are in court for digital abuse. A few had limited online influence, while several more were more prominent.

Each one is charged with making malicious comments about the first lady's personal life. Among them, this involved linking her age difference with the French president to hurtful comparisons.

If found responsible, they may be sentenced to a maximum of two years in prison.

Family Impact

She, one of three children from Brigitte Macron's initial union, stated how the baseless rumors have caused a "deterioration of her physical state" and a "decline of her quality of life".

She testified, "Scarcely a day goes by when someone fails to mention this to her."

Auzière pointed out the repercussions on loved ones, for example the younger generation hearing false assertions like "Your grandmother is deceptive" or "Your grandmother is actually a man".

"She is unsure how to end it," she testified. "She's not elected, she has not sought any of this, and she is continually subjected to these assaults."

Legal Battle Context

This case is part of an ongoing effort in a broader legal battle addressing the inaccurate allegation that she is a man.

The couple have also filed a US lawsuit over false statements involving a conservative podcaster who promoted the allegation.

The lawsuit states that the allegation is entirely inaccurate and points out that the person cited is in fact her brother.

Defendants' Responses

During the trial, some of the accused disputed the accusations.

• An individual, now a deputy mayor, stated he "had no purpose to inflict damage" and referred to his online statements as humorous.
• Another defendant stated that his social media shares were presented as "satire" and voiced worry that the case could threaten "the right to speak freely".
• Another individual said he shared information since he thought it was a worldwide topic with "impact on the nation".

Personal History

The baseless rumor regarding the first lady's sex spread to some extent because their marriage has frequently been a point of interest in digital spaces.

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

The connection between them evolved through theatrical projects, and they wed in 2007, subsequent to her marriage dissolution.

Auzière wrapped up her testimony by stating that the baseless rumors have produced a "chaos that never stops" for Brigitte Macron.