False Claims Online Negatively Impacted Brigitte Macron's Daily Life, Child Testifies to the Tribunal
The French first lady's daughter, Tiphaine Auzière, has told a Paris court that misleading allegations circulating on the internet—among them the baseless theory that she was born a man—have negatively impacted her mother's daily existence.
She, a attorney, appeared as a witness in the trial of 10 individuals allegedly involved in internet-based abuse targeting her mother.
Effects on Everyday Activities
Auzière stated that Brigitte Macron now is always concerned about her appearance, such as her attire to the way she carries herself, because of the fear that any image may be misused to advance malicious comments.
"The outcome is that she systematically has to pay attention to what she wears, her posture, regardless of her actions in her daily life," she testified.
Accused Individuals and Charges
Eight men and two women, in that age range, are in court for internet-based bullying. A few had limited online influence, while the rest were more prominent.
Each one is alleged to have spreading defamatory content about the first lady's identity. In certain cases, this included linking the age gap with her husband to hurtful comparisons.
If convicted, they face a maximum of two years in prison.
Effect on Relatives
She, a family member from Brigitte Macron's previous marriage, stated how the baseless rumors have led to a "worsening of her physical state" and a "deterioration of her quality of life".
She explained, "Not a day goes by when a person avoids discussing these claims to her."
She pointed out the impact on loved ones, such as the kids learning about malicious statements like "Brigitte is deceptive" or "She was born male".
"She has no idea how to stop it," Auzière testified. "She's not elected, she has not sought anything, and she is constantly subjected to these assaults."
Legal Battle Context
The legal proceedings is part of an ongoing effort in a broader legal battle addressing the false claim that she is male.
They have pursued a US lawsuit for defamation targeting a conservative podcaster who spread the theory.
The lawsuit asserts that the allegation is totally unfounded and points out that the individual referenced is actually her brother.
Trial Testimonies
Throughout the proceedings, several defendants disputed the allegations.
- A retired business owner, holding a public position, asserted he "had no purpose to inflict damage" and described his online statements as satirical.
- A well-known publicist claimed that his posts were meant to be "humor" and voiced worry that the legal action could threaten "freedom of expression".
- An art gallery owner explained he posted content because he felt it was an international matter with "impact on the nation".
Personal History
The inaccurate claim regarding the first lady's sex circulated in part because their marriage has frequently been a topic of comment on the internet.
The first lady, aged 24 years older than her husband, originally knew him when serving as a teacher at his school.
Their bond evolved through theatrical projects, and they entered into marriage in 2007, subsequent to Brigitte Macron's divorce.
She finished her account by saying that the false claims have created a "storm that continues endlessly" for Brigitte Macron.