The French first lady's child, Tiphaine Auzière, has told a tribunal in Paris that inaccurate assertions spread through social media—such as the unfounded rumor that Brigitte Macron was born a man—have severely damaged her mother's daily existence.
She, a legal professional, appeared as a testifier in the legal proceedings of 10 individuals allegedly involved in internet-based abuse targeting the first lady.
Consequences on Daily Life
Auzière explained that her mother now worries constantly about how she looks, such as the clothes she wears to her posture, due to the apprehension that each snapshot could be distorted to fuel malicious comments.
"The result is that she always needs to be careful to her clothing, how she holds herself, regardless of her actions in everyday routine," Auzière told the court.
Accused Individuals and Charges
Ten individuals, aged 41 to 60, are in court for digital abuse. Some had limited online influence, while the rest were more visible.
Each one is accused of posting harmful statements about the first lady's identity. For some, this included equating her age difference with her husband to hurtful comparisons.
If convicted, they may be sentenced to up to two years in incarceration.
Effect on Relatives
She, a family member from her mother's previous marriage, explained how the false claims have resulted in a "decline of her well-being" and a "decline of her overall existence".
She said, "Hardly a day passes when an individual avoids discussing this to her."
She emphasized the impact on the family, including her grandchildren hearing false assertions like "Brigitte is not truthful" or "Your grandmother is actually a man".
"She does not know what to do about it," she stated. "She's not elected, she didn't pursue anything, and she is permanently subjected to these assaults."
Legal Battle History
The legal proceedings is the latest phase in a broader legal battle addressing the false claim that Brigitte Macron is male.
They have pursued a US lawsuit alleging slander involving a media personality who spread the claim.
The case clarifies that the allegation is totally unfounded and points out that the individual referenced is really Brigitte Macron's brother.
Defendants' Responses
In court, a few individuals denied the allegations.
- An individual, now a deputy mayor, stated he "had no purpose to cause harm" and described his posts as satirical.
- A fiction writer argued that his social media shares were presented as "humor" and voiced worry that the trial could endanger "the right to speak freely".
- Another individual testified he shared content since he thought it was an international matter with "impact on the nation".
Personal History
The false theory about the first lady's gender gained traction in part because their marriage has long been a subject of discussion online.
Brigitte Macron, being significantly older than Emmanuel Macron, initially encountered Emmanuel Macron when serving as a educator at his school.
Their relationship grew through theatrical projects, and they entered into marriage in 2007, following her marriage dissolution.
She concluded her testimony by expressing that the inaccurate allegations have created a "whirlwind that does not cease" for Brigitte Macron.
