Inaccurate Allegations on Social Media Harmed Brigitte Macron's Well-being, Child Tells the Tribunal
Brigitte Macron's daughter, Tiphaine Auzière, informed a tribunal in Paris that misleading allegations circulating on the internet—including the groundless claim that she had a male birth identity—have significantly harmed her mother's personal well-being.
She, a legal professional, served as a witness in the court case of ten people accused of online harassment directed at Brigitte Macron.
Consequences on Personal Routine
She testified that the first lady now worries constantly about her demeanor, from her attire to how she stands, due to the apprehension that every photograph may be misused to advance malicious comments.
"The outcome is that she constantly has to pay attention to what she wears, how she holds herself, no matter what her actions in day-to-day existence," she testified.
Defendants and Accusations
The defendants, between 41 and 60 years old, are in court for internet-based bullying. Several had a small social media following, while others were better known.
All is accused of making malicious comments about Brigitte Macron's personal life. For some, this extended to comparing the disparity in years with her husband to hurtful comparisons.
If found responsible, they could receive up to two years in prison.
Family Impact
She, a family member from Brigitte Macron's initial union, described how the baseless rumors have caused a "worsening of her physical state" and a "decline of her daily happiness".
She explained, "Hardly a day passes when a person avoids discussing this to her."
She pointed out the impact on loved ones, for example the kids being exposed to hurtful comments like "Brigitte is lying" or "She is actually a man".
"She does not know how to stop it," she stated. "She didn't run for election, she didn't pursue any of this, and she is constantly facing these attacks."
Legal Battle Context
The legal proceedings is the latest phase in a wider judicial fight addressing the false claim that the first lady is transgender.
The Macrons have initiated a US lawsuit alleging slander targeting a political commentator who amplified the claim.
The case states that the allegation is completely false and points out that the individual referenced is actually her older brother.
Defendants' Responses
In court, several defendants denied the accusations.
- An individual, serving as a local official, asserted he "had no purpose to hurt anyone" and referred to his social media content as humorous.
- A well-known publicist claimed that his online activity were meant to be "satire" and highlighted apprehension that the trial could undermine "free speech".
- An art gallery owner testified he disseminated posts as he believed it was a global issue with "consequences for France".
Past Context
The baseless rumor concerning Brigitte Macron's sex gained traction to some extent because their marriage has frequently been a subject of discussion on the internet.
Brigitte Macron, who is significantly older than the president, initially encountered the future president when working as a instructor at his school.
Their relationship developed through drama activities, and they wed in 2007, after Brigitte Macron's separation.
Auzière finished her account by saying that the baseless rumors have produced a "storm that continues endlessly" for her mother.
