Inaccurate Assertions on Social Media Negatively Impacted Brigitte Macron's Well-being, Daughter Informs Court

Brigitte Macron's child, Tiphaine Auzière, testified to a tribunal in Paris that misleading allegations circulating on the internet—such as the unfounded rumor that the French first lady had a male birth identity—have severely damaged her mother's personal well-being.

She, a 41-year-old lawyer, served as a testifier in the court case of 10 individuals accused of internet-based abuse directed at her mother.

Effects on Everyday Activities

She explained that her mother now is always concerned about her demeanor, including her attire to the way she carries herself, because of the apprehension that every photograph could be misused to advance hateful attacks.

"The result is that she systematically needs to be careful to her outfits, how she holds herself, irrespective of her activities in everyday routine," Auzière told the court.

Defendants and Allegations

Ten individuals, aged 41 to 60, are on trial for internet-based bullying. Several had modest digital reach, while several more were more prominent.

All is charged with posting harmful statements about the first lady's identity. For some, this extended to linking the disparity in years with the French president to offensive labels.

If convicted, they face a maximum of two years in incarceration.

Effect on Relatives

Auzière, a daughter from her mother's initial union, described how the inaccurate allegations have caused a "worsening of her physical state" and a "deterioration of her overall existence".

She testified, "Scarcely a day passes when a person does not talk these claims to her."

Auzière pointed out the impact on the family, including the younger generation hearing false assertions like "She is deceptive" or "Your grandmother was born male".

"She does not know how to stop it," Auzière testified. "She holds no office, she didn't pursue public attention, and she is constantly subjected to these attacks."

Court Case Context

This case is part of an ongoing effort in a broader legal battle targeting the baseless theory that Brigitte Macron is supposedly a man.

The couple have initiated a case in America over false statements involving a conservative podcaster who spread the allegation.

The legal filing asserts that the accusation is totally unfounded and notes that the person cited is in fact Brigitte Macron's sibling.

Trial Testimonies

In court, some of the accused denied the allegations.

• One defendant, now a deputy mayor, stated he "never intended to cause harm" and referred to his social media content as humorous.
• A fiction writer argued that his social media shares were intended as "irony" and highlighted apprehension that the trial could undermine "freedom of expression".
• An art gallery owner explained he disseminated information as he believed it was a global issue with "impact on the nation".

Relationship Background

The false theory concerning the first lady's sex gained traction to some extent because their marriage has often been a subject of discussion in digital spaces.

The first lady, who is two decades older than Emmanuel Macron, first met him when working as a educator at the institution he attended.

Their bond grew through drama activities, and they married in that year, subsequent to Brigitte Macron's separation.

Auzière concluded her statement by stating that the false claims have caused a "chaos that does not cease" for Brigitte Macron.