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

Brigitte Macron's child, Tiphaine Auzière, has told a tribunal in Paris that misleading allegations spread through social media—among them the baseless theory that the French first lady is transgender—have negatively impacted her mother's daily existence.

She, a attorney, served as a witness in the court case of a group of defendants facing charges for online harassment directed at her mother.

Consequences on Everyday Activities

Auzière explained that the first lady now is always concerned about her appearance, including the clothes she wears to her posture, because of the apprehension that any image may be manipulated to advance hateful attacks.

"The outcome is that she systematically has to pay attention to what she wears, how she holds herself, no matter what her actions in day-to-day existence," she told the court.

Defendants and Allegations

Ten individuals, aged 41 to 60, are in court for internet-based bullying. Several had modest digital reach, while others were better known.

All is accused of spreading defamatory content about the first lady's gender and sexuality. For some, this extended to comparing the disparity in years with Emmanuel Macron to offensive labels.

If convicted, they may be sentenced to as much as 24 months in jail.

Consequences for Loved Ones

Auzière, a family member from her mother's initial union, stated how the baseless rumors have caused a "decline of her well-being" and a "decline of her quality of life".

She explained, "Scarcely a day goes by when an individual avoids discussing this to her."

Auzière highlighted the effects on loved ones, such as the kids being exposed to hurtful comments like "Brigitte is deceptive" or "Your grandmother is your grandfather".

"She has no idea how to end it," she testified. "She didn't run for election, she never asked for public attention, and she is permanently facing these assaults."

Judicial Proceedings Context

The Paris trial represents a recent development in a wider judicial fight against the baseless theory that she is supposedly male.

They have initiated a legal action in the United States alleging slander involving a media personality who promoted the allegation.

The legal filing asserts that the allegation is entirely inaccurate and notes that the person cited is really her older brother.

Defendants' Responses

In court, some of the accused denied the accusations.

• One defendant, holding a public position, stated he "had no purpose to cause harm" and referred to his social media content as satirical.
• A well-known publicist claimed that his online activity were intended as "irony" and highlighted apprehension that the case could undermine "freedom of expression".
• Another individual explained he disseminated posts since he thought it was a worldwide topic with "consequences for France".

Relationship Background

The inaccurate claim about Brigitte Macron's identity spread in part because their marriage has frequently been a point of interest on the internet.

Brigitte Macron, aged two decades older than her husband, first met the future president when she was a instructor at his school.

The connection between them grew through theatrical projects, and they married in 2007, following Brigitte Macron's marriage dissolution.

She wrapped up her testimony by expressing that the inaccurate allegations have caused a "chaos that does not cease" for the first lady.